Assam: Zubeen Garg’s Family Files Complaint, Demands Full Probe into Singer’s Drowning in Singapore
The complaint comes amid rising public concern and speculation over possible negligence or foul play during what was meant to be a festive performance at the North East India Festival.
GUWAHATI– Assam’s celebrated singer-composer Zubeen Garg’s family has formally approached the Assam CID, seeking a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic drowning on September 19 in Singapore.
The complaint comes amid rising public concern and speculation over possible negligence or foul play during what was meant to be a festive performance at the North East India Festival.
Signed by Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg, sister Dr. Palme Borthakur, and uncle Manoj Kumar Borthakur, the complaint emphasizes the family’s demand for a thorough inquiry.
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“We want a full probe into the circumstances of his death,” Manoj Kumar Borthakur told PTI, adding that all key individuals present, including festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddhartha Sharma, and the 11 Assamese residents accompanying Garg on the yacht, should be part of the investigation.
The 52-year-old artist, renowned for his soulful Assamese folk music and Bollywood hits, had flown to Singapore on September 17 to headline the festival. He drowned during a spontaneous yacht outing, reportedly organized without prior notice to festival authorities. While Singapore officials classified the death as accidental, ambiguity surrounding the events has sparked speculation.
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Assam Police confirmed receipt of the complaint and said it will be merged into the ongoing investigation by a 10-member SIT under CID supervision. Officers, including Maramee Das, visited Garg’s Guwahati residence to record family statements. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed consolidation of multiple FIRs into a single CID case and warned of strict action against uncooperative parties.
Public grief remains intense. Protests demanding justice have been held in Guwahati, while murals honoring Garg’s legacy have appeared across the city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his death as a significant loss to Assam’s cultural heritage.
Watch Video- Alvida Zubeenda
The SIT may summon Mahanta, Sharma, and Singapore-based witnesses as the investigation continues. Borthakur expressed hope for closure, reflecting the sentiments of fans worldwide who continue to celebrate Garg’s music. The outcome could not only settle lingering doubts but also highlight the vulnerabilities faced by artists during international tours.
