Zubeen's death: Arrested bandmate alleges manager, event organizer poisoned singer
What's the story
In a shocking turn of events, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a member of Zubeen Garg's band, has accused the late singer's manager of poisoning him. He has also leveled the same allegation against the organizer of the event where Garg (52) was scheduled to perform before his death. To recall, Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming near an island in Singapore on September 19. Goswami is one of the four people arrested by Assam Police in connection with Garg's death.
Details
Accused chose foreign destination to hide their crime: Goswami
Goswami alleged that the accused chose a foreign destination to hide their crime, per India Today. Apart from him, Siddharth Sharma (Garg's manager), Shyamkanu Mahanta (event organizer), and musician Amritprava Mahanta have been arrested. Murder charges have been added to the ongoing case. Garg was in Singapore for a performance at the North East India Festival, organized by Mahanta and his company.
Suspicion
Manager exhibited suspicious behavior before singer's death?
Goswami alleged that Sharma, who stayed with Garg at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore, exhibited suspicious behavior before the singer's death. He claimed that Sharma took control of the yacht from its sailor during their outing, endangering passengers. He also revealed that Sharma told Tanmoy Phukan (a member of the Assam Association, Singapore) not to arrange drinks as he would provide them himself.
Allegations
When Garg struggled to breathe, Sharma shouted 'Jabo de'?
Goswami claimed that when Garg struggled to breathe while swimming, Sharma shouted "Jabo de, jabo de" (let him go). He also said Garg was frothing at the mouth and nose, but Sharma dismissed it as "acid reflux" and assured everyone that there was nothing to worry about. Goswami told investigators that Garg, an expert swimmer who had trained both him and Sharma, could not have died solely from drowning.
Foul play
Wife suspects foul play in Garg's death
Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, also suspects foul play. In an interview with India Today, she said that Garg never had a heart problem. "He was extremely exhausted that day. Everyone knew he had a medical condition; he suffered seizures." "Doctors had told him not to go near water or fire." "Still, he was taken to a yacht party, into the water, and allowed to swim without a life jacket." "Why was my husband treated like this?"
Investigation
Assam CM announces judicial probe into case
In light of the explosive revelations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a judicial commission would be formed to probe Garg's death. Meanwhile, the singer's body was sent to India following a post-mortem conducted by Singapore authorities, which had determined drowning as his cause of death.