Assam: Political Row Erupts Over Zubeen Garg Death

GUWAHATI-  Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday criticised opposition leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi over his remarks regarding the delivery of justice in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg, calling the statement politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters during an election campaign event in Lumding, Sarma said that Gogoi’s claim that justice would be ensured within 100 days if the opposition came to power was misleading.

“Lurinjyoti Gogoi is not a judge; he is a candidate contesting elections. Delivering justice is not in the hands of political leaders but the judiciary,” the Chief Minister said.

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He added that the opposition was attempting to politicise a sensitive issue for electoral gains. “Ensuring justice in any case is a legal process. It cannot be promised in a time-bound political statement,” Sarma said, questioning the intent behind Gogoi’s remarks.

Gogoi had earlier stated that if the opposition formed the government in Assam, justice in the Zubeen Garg death case would be delivered within 100 days.

The exchange comes in the backdrop of findings by a Singapore court, which ruled that Zubeen Garg’s death in September last year was due to drowning near Lazarus Island, dismissing any suspicion of foul play.

According to reports, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda concluded that the death was “an unfortunate and tragic drowning” following an investigation conducted by the Singapore Police Coast Guard.

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Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East India Festival and died on September 19, a day before his scheduled performance.

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Court proceedings revealed that Garg had gone on a yacht trip and entered the sea near Lazarus Island. Witnesses stated that he had consumed alcohol prior to the incident and initially wore a life jacket during his first swim. However, he later removed it and declined to wear one during a subsequent attempt.

Despite repeated requests from companions to return, he reportedly became unresponsive in the water and was pulled back onto the yacht, where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

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A toxicology report presented before the court indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 333 mg per 100 ml, suggesting significant alcohol intake before entering the water.

The findings are consistent with earlier observations by the Singapore Police Force, which had ruled out foul play.

The political exchange in Assam reflects differing approaches to the issue, even as official findings from Singapore authorities point towards an accidental death.