Zubeen Garg death case: Assam CM announces judicial probe
What's the story
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that a judicial commission will be set up to probe the death of singer Zubeen Garg. The commission will be led by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court. "We will form the commission tomorrow," Sarma said during a Facebook Live session. Garg, 52, reportedly drowned while swimming in Singapore on September 19.
Ongoing probe
Over 60 FIRs filed against event organizer
The State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently probing Garg's tragic death. Over 60 FIRs have been filed against Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organizer of the Northeast India Festival, where Garg was set to perform. Four people have already been arrested and placed in police custody for 14 days each.
Information submission
'Now, those who had shared different information...': Sarma
Sarma further said in his statement, "Now, those who had shared different information related to Zubeen's death on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, it is their duty to submit affidavits in front of the commission." He added, "Now, the government requests members of the Assam Association of Singapore, who were accompanying the singer on the day of his death, to come forward and give their statement."
Additional investigation
ED, Income Tax department likely to join probe
The Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department are likely to help Assam Police investigate Mahanta's alleged financial crimes and hidden property purchases. A source told PTI that officials from these departments have already visited the CID headquarters to investigate a financial scam allegedly involving Mahanta. "They are likely to join the probe with CID, and a formal decision may come very soon," the source said.
Investigation details
Know about the raids at Mahanta's residence
The CID recovered incriminating items and documents from Mahanta's home during raids on September 25 and 26. These included several PAN cards registered to the same firm, about 30 stamp seals of various companies and government officials, and documents linked to multiple benami properties. Meanwhile, Garg's wife, Garima, gave her statement before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) and submitted all related documents. She expressed her desire for justice as soon as possible.