SIT Probes Multiple Angles in Zubeen Garg’s Death

KalimNews, October 3, 2025 : The 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been investigating multiple angles following the sudden death of Assam’s beloved cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, in Singapore on September 19. The 52-year-old singer reportedly drowned at Lazarus Island, though conflicting reports have emerged about the circumstances.

Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia, claimed that her husband suffered a seizure while swimming, dismissing theories of a scuba diving accident. Singaporean authorities attributed the death to drowning in their autopsy report. However, a second post-mortem was conducted in Assam due to widespread protests and suspicions of foul play.

The police arrested Zubeen Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, the North East India Festival organizer,after they failed to appear before investigators. Police also recovered Zubeen Garg’s mobile phone from Sharma.

Singaporean authorities have provided the Indian High Commission with the autopsy report, while the results of the second post-mortem are still awaited. The SIT is piecing together a timeline of Garg’s last 48 hours, particularly after pharmaceutical drugs were found in his bag. This bag was reportedly in Sharma’s possession. The drugs have been sent for analysis.

Additionally, Garg’s former bandmate, Sekhar Jyoti Goswami, and fellow singer Amritprava Mahanta, along with his cousin Sandipan Garg, have also been questioned as part of the investigation.

Garima Garg, the singer's wife, commented on the arrests, saying to NDTV, "The law will take its own course. We have to know what exactly happened. They should be questioned. The investigation is ongoing, and it will proceed as required. We all should cooperate."

To honor Zubeen Garg’s legacy, the state government has announced plans to build a second memorial in Jorhat to permanently recognize his immense contribution to music and cinema.

Mahanta, the younger brother of former DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, is also the sibling of Nani Gopal Mahanta, who previously served as the Education Advisor to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma before becoming the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University.

Zubeen Garg’s Death: Murder or Accident? 

The untimely death of Zubeen Garg on September 19 has left the nation in grief, with many eager to understand the circumstances surrounding his passing. Singaporean authorities have clarified that the cause of death was drowning while swimming. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) handed over the post-mortem report to the Indian High Commission, stating there was no evidence of foul play. The initial investigation found that Zubeen was found unconscious near St John's Island and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he died the same day.

Reports reveal that Zubeen was on a yacht with friends on the day of the incident. A viral video shows him jumping into the water wearing a life jacket. However, he later removed the jacket and re-entered the water. His struggle for breath and attempts to reach a raft are clearly visible in the video, which has deeply saddened viewers.

Garg’s death led to the cancellation of the North East India Festival in Singapore, where he had been a key figure, and triggered a statewide shutdown in Assam as a mark of respect.

Post-Mortem Report and Investigation

The death certificate issued by the Singapore hospital lists 'drowning' as the cause of death. Singaporean authorities have confirmed that the incident was accidental, with no evidence of foul play or criminal assault. A coroner's inquiry is expected to shed more light on the exact timeline of events and circumstances leading to Zubeen's tragic death.

Manager and Organiser Arrested

The video footage and subsequent reports show Zubeen struggling in the water without a life jacket. The singer appeared tired and weak as he attempted to swim toward a raft. His friends can be heard cheering him on, unaware of the danger he was facing. In the aftermath, his manager, Siddharth Sharma, and the festival organizer, Shyamkanu Mahanta, were arrested by police as part of the ongoing investigation.

A police source mentioned that Zubeen appeared to be having trouble breathing, which may have contributed to his distress in the water. The video, which has circulated widely on social media, has added to the growing questions about the circumstances of his death.

Zubeen Garg's death has been a tragic loss for the music world, and authorities are continuing their investigation to piece together the final moments of the beloved singer's life.