Zubeen Garg Death Case: Arrest of Two Band Members Raises Total Arrests to Four

Agencies, October 3, 2025, Guwahati : The investigation into the tragic death of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg continues to deepen with the recent arrest of two more individuals—musician Shekharjyoti Goswami and female co-singer Amritprava Mahanta—making the total arrests in the case four. Both Goswami and Mahanta were present at the scene when the incident occurred, and were arrested after interrogation by the Assam Police.

The singer's death, which took place on September 19 while Garg was swimming off a yacht during the Northeast India Festival in Singapore, has sparked widespread public outcry and allegations of negligence. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Assam's Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, had earlier arrested Zubeen's manager, Siddharth Sharma, and the festival organizer, Shyamkanu Mahanta, on Wednesday. Both have been charged with murder. With the latest arrests of Goswami and Mahanta, the investigation has now moved into a more serious phase, with police officials stating that they found evidence against them that warranted further questioning.

The case has now seen murder charges added, with Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) invoked, which deals with the punishment for murder. Under this section, anyone found guilty could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. CID officials have confirmed that the arrests of the two musicians are based on their proximity to the incident and their involvement during the fatal swimming session. Goswami, who was seen swimming near Garg, and Mahanta, who recorded the incident on her phone, were questioned multiple times in the past few days.

The SIT is also actively investigating the role of Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma, who were earlier arrested. Mahanta, the younger brother of Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, former DGP and current Chief Information Commissioner of Assam, is facing increasing scrutiny. On top of the investigation into Zubeen’s death, Mahanta has also been under investigation for organized financial crimes and money laundering. Assam Police seized a variety of incriminating documents and items from his residence, including multiple PAN cards, seal stamps of different companies and government officials, and evidence of benami properties during a raid on September 25 and 26.

As the investigation intensifies, the focus is on the autopsy reports and the ongoing analysis of the viscera sample sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory in Delhi. The initial autopsy report conducted in Singapore indicated that Zubeen Garg’s cause of death was drowning, but due to suspicions and protests in Assam, a second post-mortem was carried out in Guwahati. Special DGP Munna Gupta confirmed that once the viscera report is received from Delhi, the post-mortem report from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital will be completed, helping clarify the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death.

The Singaporean authorities have already provided their autopsy report to the Indian High Commission, and it is expected that the results will be shared with Zubeen Garg’s family once the formalities are completed.

The CID team is also awaiting approval from Singapore to travel to the country and gather additional evidence. Gupta stated that once the necessary formalities are completed, the team will travel to Singapore to examine any relevant details that may shed light on the final moments of the late singer. The Indian government has invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to assist in the investigation and ensure cooperation from the Southeast Asian nation.

The SIT has served notices to all individuals who were present or might have knowledge of the events leading up to Zubeen Garg’s death. Notices have been issued to members of the Assam Association in Singapore, with the assistance of the Indian High Commission and local authorities, as the SIT cannot directly arrest individuals outside of India.

Zubeen's cousin, Sandipan Garg, a Deputy SP, was also questioned by the SIT. He was present during the incident, and authorities have been keen to ensure that every person with potential knowledge is thoroughly interrogated.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police officials are tight-lipped about the specifics of the evidence collected so far. However, with four arrests now made and new charges added, the case is rapidly evolving.

Zubeen's wife, Garima Garg, has expressed confidence in the legal system, saying that she believes justice will be served. She reiterated that the investigation is still in progress and that the family is waiting to learn the full truth of what happened. “We all want to know who is responsible and what exactly happened. The law will take its course, and I am sure we will get justice," she stated in a recent interview.

As the investigation continues, it is clear that the death of Zubeen Garg is shrouded in mystery, and the circumstances surrounding his drowning are under intense scrutiny. The CID and the SIT are working to uncover the truth and bring justice to the singer, who was loved by millions across Assam and India. The addition of murder charges to the case signals that the authorities are treating this as a serious criminal investigation, and those responsible for Zubeen Garg's untimely death will be held accountable for their actions.