Guwahati, Oct 2: The investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg has taken a dramatic turn after the Assam CID invoked murder charges against festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma.
Sources said that Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—which prescribes death or life imprisonment and a fine for murder—has now been added in CID cases no. 18/25 and 19/25. The two accused had earlier faced multiple provisions relating to negligence and conspiracy. After absconding for 13 days, they were arrested from Delhi and are currently in 14-day police custody.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has shared Zubeen’s autopsy report with the Indian High Commission, confirming that no foul play was involved. Media reports say 52-year-old singer died of drowning on September 19, after swimming off St John’s Island.
Zubeen had initially entered the water wearing a life vest but later removed it before re-entering the sea. He was pulled out unconscious moments later and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The death certificate issued in Singapore also listed drowning as the cause of death.
The Assam government has already ordered a second post-mortem and set up a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances of his death. Notices have been served to several associates, including Mahanta and Sharma, who were later detained for questioning in Guwahati.
A media report quoting Straits Times said while SPF has ruled out foul play, a coroner’s inquiry may still be held to establish the full sequence of events.
“There is no statutory definition for the term ‘foul play’, but SPF’s initial statement could be understood to mean they do not suspect that Garg was murdered or died as a result of criminal violence,” the media report quoting Ms Ng Kai Ling, associate director at LIMN Law Corporation said. “A coroner’s inquiry could possibly shed light on the sequence of events leading up to his drowning.”
In a unique tribute, the Sarpara Friends Club of South Kamrup has constructed a 100-foot-tall statue of Zubeen Garg. For years, the club has organised annual Dussehra celebrations on Vijaya Dashami. But this year, following Garg’s sudden demise, the festivities were cancelled.
Instead, organisers channelled their resources into building the towering statue within just five days, offering a public homage to Assam’s “heartthrob.”
“Even though 90% of our preparations were completed, we decided not to go ahead with festive programmes. Instead, this statue was built as a tribute,” said a committee member.
“Public prayers will be held for Zubeen over the next two days, and the statue will remain here for four to five days.”
The grounds of R.B. High School in Sarpara have also been adorned with banners featuring Zubeen’s photographs, as thousands of fans continue to pay their respects.
In a show of solidarity, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya has decided not to celebrate his birthday this year, citing his profound grief over the untimely demise of Zubeen Garg, a legendary artiste, cultural icon, and beloved son of the state.
Governor Acharya humbly expressed his desire that no birthday celebration will be held in Raj Bhavan or by any organisation as he is deeply saddened by the loss of Zubeen Garg.
The Governor further said, “At a time when Assam mourns one of its brightest stars, I do not feel it appropriate to mark a personal celebration. Zubeen was not just an artiste, he was the voice of our people, the spirit of our culture. My heart is heavy with his passing,” the Governor said.
“Zubeen Garg’s contribution to Assamese music, film, and social causes touched millions and strengthened global recognition to the state’s rich cultural heritage. His sudden demise has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of countless admirers” he said.
Also read: IMD forecasts warmer October, below-normal rainfall for parts of Northeast
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