After Charge Sheet, Zubeen Garg’s Family Questions Safety Lapses, Seeks Fast-Track Hearing

Garima Saikia Garg, the widowed wife of celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, has sought a fast-track trial and the constitution of a special court bench after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed its charge sheet on December 12 in connection with the incident in Singapore that led to the singer’s death.

In a detailed statement, Garima Saikia Garg said the family is still unable to come to terms with the loss, describing the incident as an unimaginable tragedy that left not only their household but “the entire soul of Assam” shaken. She expressed anguish that the word “murder” has come to be associated with Zubeen Garg’s name.

Alleged Irregularities in Singapore Travel and Accommodation

Referring to the charge sheet, Garima Saikia Garg stated that evidence suggests there were serious inconsistencies and alleged premeditation regarding Zubeen Garg’s accommodation arrangements in Singapore. An SSD recovered from the residence of organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta (one of the accused) reportedly contains a list showing that Garg was initially booked to share a room with an individual identified as Anuj Baruah.

According to the charge sheet, after arrival in Singapore, Mahanta, allegedly in coordination with Siddharth Sharma, changed the accommodation arrangements. Initially, only one additional room was booked for Garg at Hotel Pan Pacific, near Mahanta’s room, while three more rooms were later booked for other team members.

However, Siddharth Sharma’s statement reportedly contradicts this version, claiming that the team was originally scheduled to stay at “The Village” hotel and that the shift to Pan Pacific was communicated only after reaching Singapore.

Garima questioned why such confusion surrounded the stay of an artist invited as the brand ambassador of a major festival and why these decisions were not finalised before departure from Assam.

Responsibility, Safety, and Lack of Written Agreement

Garima Saikia Garg stated that Zubeen Garg never personally handled hotel bookings or check-in formalities, relying entirely on his manager or event organisers. She alleged that Garg was therefore unaware of whose name the room was booked under, suggesting the possibility of deliberate concealment.

She also pointed out that despite extensive publicity using Zubeen Garg’s image, there was no written agreement for the festival. According to her, Garg was repeatedly told that backing out after promotion would cause serious repercussions.

She said Siddharth Sharma, as Garg’s manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, as the organiser, were responsible for ensuring his safety, security, and medical care—duties she alleged were not fulfilled.

‘One Last Tour’ Claim Raises Serious Questions

Citing the charge sheet, Garima said Siddharth Sharma had planned a “One Last Tour” covering 10 cities, projecting it as Garg’s final series of live performances. She said this information was unknown to Garg’s family, band members, and close associates.

She alleged that Sharma used this claim to negotiate higher fees from various organising committees, with parts of the remuneration allegedly not fully documented, raising further questions over financial transparency and the absence of a formal written agreement with the Singapore organisers.

Delay in Medical Aid and Alleged Negligence

Garima Saikia Garg expressed serious concern over the charge sheet’s reference to a delay of nearly 75 minutes before medical assistance was provided to Zubeen Garg. She noted that emergency medical facilities, AEDs, and assistance were reportedly available nearby at St John’s Island and Lazarus Island.

She questioned why no prompt action was taken despite safety warnings on the yacht stating “Swimming at your own risk – No divers available,” and why no medical or safety arrangements were in place on board.

Alleged Neglect Captured on Video

Garima said video footage and witness statements cited in the charge sheet show that Garg was encouraged to swim without a life jacket despite suffering from seizures, vomiting, and visible exhaustion. She described this as criminal negligence.

According to witness statements, Garg suffered head injuries, broken ribs during untrained CPR attempts, and water accumulation in his lungs. Witnesses also reportedly stated that seawater was expelled from his stomach after he was brought back on board.

“These details show the extreme physical suffering he endured,” Garima said, adding that the family will carry this pain for life.

Demand for Accountability and Justice

Holding all individuals present on the yacht responsible, Garima Saikia Garg demanded that every accused be brought under the purview of the law.

She appealed to the Assam government, the SIT, and public prosecutors to review the charge sheet once again to ensure that all legal requirements are fully met.

Her demands include:

• A fast-track trial

• A special court bench with daily hearings

• A strong public prosecutor team, including senior advocates with public credibility

• Adequate manpower and logistical support to ensure an effective prosecution

With more than 300 witnesses listed, she warned that delays in proceedings would undermine justice.

“If justice is denied to Zubeen Garg, what message does it send to ordinary citizens?” she asked, while reiterating the family’s faith in the judicial system.

Garima Saikia Garg also sought the support of the Bar Council and the people of Assam in their pursuit of justice, demanding the strictest possible punishment for those found guilty.

Also Read: Zubeen Garg Death Case: CJM Court Transfers Case to Sessions Court for Trial