Zubeen Garg's death was 'plain murder,' claims Assam CM
What's the story
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that the recent death of popular singer Zubeen Garg was a "plain and simple murder." The 52-year-old singer died on September 19 while swimming in Singapore's sea. He was there to perform at the North East India Festival (NEIF). Sarma made these remarks during the Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, while discussing an adjournment motion moved by the opposition to discuss Garg's death.
Details
'One of the accused killed Garg, others helped him'
Sarma said, "After a preliminary probe, the Assam Police was sure that it was not a case of culpable homicide but it was a plain and simple murder." He added that "one of the accused killed Garg and others helped him. Four to five people are being booked in the murder case." The Chief Minister shared the video of his declaration on X.
Investigation
SIT formed to probe Garg's death
The Sarma-led government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police to investigate Garg's death. This decision came after more than 60 cases were filed across the state. A one-man inquiry commission headed by Gauhati High Court's sitting judge Justice Soumitra Saikia was also constituted to probe the incident.
Arrests
Several arrests made in connection with Garg's death
Days after Garg's untimely demise, several individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement. These include NEIF organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma, two of his band members- Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg, who is a senior Assam police officer. Additionally, Garg's personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya were also arrested due to huge financial transactions worth over ₹1.1 crore found in their accounts.
Chargesheet
SIT to submit chargesheet in December
All seven arrested individuals are currently under judicial custody and have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. Sarma said that the SIT will file a "watertight chargesheet" in December, after which the investigation will be expanded to include negligence, criminal breach of trust, and other aspects.
Deadline extension
Commission extended deadline for recording statements and submission of evidence
The one-man inquiry commission, which began recording statements and receiving evidence from November 3, has extended its deadline for recording statements and submission of evidence till December 12. The commission was tasked with probing all aspects of Garg's death after the Assam government ordered it to look into the matter. It will also investigate any possible external factors, such as "foul play, conspiracy or unlawful acts" that may have contributed to or been involved in Garg's death.