Zubeen Garg’s Death: Questions Keep Growing, Answers Still Missing!

The Assam Public Works (APW) on Thursday submitted an affidavit before the one-member judicial inquiry commission probing the death of popular singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, raising serious questions about the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Raijor Dal chief and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi termed the probe by the CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) a “false show,” alleging political interference and lack of transparency.

In its affidavit, APW alleged that several crucial aspects surrounding Garg’s death in Singapore were being overlooked and demanded a fair, transparent investigation. The organisation claimed that despite the sensitive nature of the case, certain individuals with alleged political links were being shielded.

APW alleged that Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of the North East Festival, continued to host events in Singapore even after Garg’s death — including a fashion show — and later made misleading public statements. The organisation urged the commission to examine Mahanta’s role closely.

It further questioned why only four of the 18 people reportedly present at the time of Garg’s death were arrested, while others, including a Singapore-based Assamese expatriate, were not detained. The organisation also raised concerns over the role of Mahanta’s wife, associated with Trend MMS, who was allegedly a witness to the events but faced no interrogation despite suspected involvement in reopening a sealed residence.

APW also mentioned that Anuj Kumar Baruah, Public Relations Manager of the North East Festival, spread misinformation on social media by claiming that all events had been cancelled following Garg’s death. The organisation alleged Baruah helped circulate a false narrative that Garg died while scuba diving and that Garg’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma, may be hiding in Delhi with Baruah’s help.

Raising questions about the visas issued to Garg and his team for the Singapore trip, APW asked whether proper cultural visas were obtained and whether Garima Saikia Garg’s visa had been cancelled or not applied for. It also pointed to lapses in safety measures, alleging that participants entered the water without life jackets and that CPR was administered by the yacht’s captain for half an hour before medical help arrived — despite Singapore’s stringent maritime safety laws.

APW further questioned why Garg’s autopsy was not conducted at AIIMS, New Delhi, which, it said, could have helped identify any toxic substances. It also called for verification of whether weather advisories and SOS checks were ignored before the yacht sailed.

The organisation expressed concern that despite a look-out circular, Mahanta managed to travel freely to Delhi. It also questioned the need for a meeting allegedly convened by an SIT officer with certain individuals, and asked whether Garg’s brother Sandipan Garg, a senior police officer, had fulfilled his duties responsibly during the investigation.

Meanwhile, Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi launched a scathing attack on the state government and the CID’s SIT, calling the ongoing investigation a “mockery of justice.” Speaking to the media, Gogoi said,

“I have said repeatedly that the Assam government will show that our beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg was murdered, but they will not take any concrete step to convict the accused Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma. All those linked with the BJP, RSS, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will be protected.”

Gogoi claimed he has already submitted his own affidavit before the commission, expressing doubts over the credibility of the probe. He said,

“Everyone knows that the North East Festival in Singapore was conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Minister of State Pabitra Margherita was involved. Without interrogating him, how can the investigation move forward? The Indian Embassy in Singapore was also involved — why hasn’t the ambassador been questioned?”

The Sibsagar MLA further alleged that no court in Assam has yet issued any Letters Rogatory or official request to Singapore’s authorities for assistance in the case.

“Only the SIT members visited Singapore under the direction of the Home Department. This enquiry is just a false show. Zubeen, his family, and the people who love him will not get justice,” Gogoi said.

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