Zubeen Garg Death: Shyamkanu Mahanta reportedly detained in Singapore

Following the investigation into the drowning death of Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg, reports have emerged that Shyamkanu Mahanta, the primary organiser of the North East India Festival, has been detained by police in Singapore.

The development comes a week after Garg's untimely passing on September 19, 2025, during what was described as a swimming outing ahead of his scheduled performance at the festival in Singapore.

The 52-year-old singer was pulled from the water following a medical emergency and pronounced dead at a local hospital, with the official cause listed as drowning.

Mahanta faces mounting scrutiny from Assam's Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been probing allegations of negligence, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide not amounting to murder in connection with the incident.

The team has already conducted raids on Mahanta's residence in Guwahati, seizing electronic devices and documents, and issued lookout notices to prevent his departure from the country.

Sources close to the investigation indicated that Singaporean police acted on a request under the India-Singapore Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), leading to Mahanta's reported detention.

While it is not confirmed if the person detained is Shyamkanu Mahanta, it has been claimed that Singapore police have detained a person matching the description of Mahanta. Further details will be updated in connection with the report soon.

Garg's family, including his wife, Garima Saikia Garg and uncle Manoj Kumar Borthakur, filed a formal complaint with the CID on September 27, demanding a deeper inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the trip and the events leading to the tragedy. Over 60 FIRs have been lodged across Assam against Mahanta, Garg's manager Siddhartha Sharma, and others involved, reflecting widespread public outrage and grief.

In response to the controversy, the Assam government blacklisted Mahanta and his associated organisations on September 24, prohibiting them from hosting any events in the state and withholding financial support. 

The SIT has also reportedly traced Zubeen Garg's manager, Siddharth Sharma's location.