Guwahati, Dec 31: Garima Saikia Garg, wife of late music icon Zubeen Garg, has posted an emotional and strongly worded note on social media, reacting to the chargesheet filed in connection with the singer’s death. In her statement, she highlighted what she described as disturbing revelations contained in the document, raising serious questions about safety lapses, alleged negligence, and possible manipulation surrounding his final days.

Garima said the family is still struggling to come to terms with Zubeen Garg’s death, describing the loss as one that shattered not just their home but deeply affected the entire state of Assam. She said the most painful aspect was seeing Zubeen Garg’s name linked with the word “murder”.

Referring to the chargesheet submitted on December 12 — which she described as one of the largest ever filed in the state — Garima said the family obtained a copy after days of waiting and read through it despite illness and emotional distress.

Garima raised concerns over hotel arrangements made during Zubeen Garg’s visit to Singapore, alleging that the chargesheet points to manipulation and possible conspiracy surrounding his accommodation. She referred to material recovered from the residence of organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, including an SSD that reportedly contained hotel booking details.

According to her, the records showed that Zubeen Garg’s accommodation was initially planned to be shared with one Anuj Baruah, before changes were made after arrival in Singapore. The chargesheet, she said, mentions that initially only Zubeen Garg’s stay was booked at Hotel Pan Pacific, in a room next to the organiser’s, while additional rooms for the rest of the team were booked later.

However, Garima pointed out that Zubeen Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma, stated that the team’s accommodation was first planned at another hotel and that the shift to Hotel Pan Pacific was communicated only after reaching Singapore. She questioned why there was such confusion and last-minute changes for an artist invited as the brand ambassador of a major festival.

She emphasised that Zubeen Garg never personally handled hotel bookings or check-in formalities and always relied on organisers or managers. The extent of manipulation surrounding a single hotel room, she said, indicated ill intent that must be examined thoroughly during trial.

Garima also challenged organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta’s claim that Zubeen Garg was not formally invited and had travelled on his own. She said promotional posters featuring Zubeen Garg had been circulated well in advance and alleged that he was repeatedly pressured to attend the event, being told that backing out would cause serious trouble as publicity had already been done.

She further pointed out that no written agreement was executed for the event — a departure from standard practice for an artist of Zubeen Garg’s stature.

Holding both Siddharth Sharma, as manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, as organiser, responsible, Garima said ensuring Zubeen Garg’s safety, dignity, medical care and security was their primary duty — one she alleged was not fulfilled. She questioned Siddharth Sharma’s silence on safety arrangements and asked whether there was any undisclosed understanding between him and the organiser.

One of the most shocking revelations, Garima said, was the mention in the chargesheet of a proposed “One Last Tour” planned by Siddharth Sharma, covering ten cities, where it would be announced that Zubeen Garg was retiring from live performances.

She said neither the family, band members, close friends nor associates had any knowledge of such a plan. According to her, Zubeen Garg had never expressed any intention to retire and was actively planning new music and creative projects.

Garima further alleged that Siddharth Sharma had informed multiple organising committees that Zubeen Garg would be performing “for the last time”, thereby increasing performance fees, while portions of the honorarium were allegedly not officially recorded.

Expressing anguish over Zubeen Garg’s final hours, Garima said the chargesheet revealed that he was left without medical assistance for nearly 75 minutes, despite the availability of nearby medical facilities, AEDs and emergency services.

She raised concerns over safety lapses on the yacht, noting that warning boards stated “Swimming at your own risk – no divers available”. According to her, there was inadequate safety equipment and no proper medical support on board.

Garima alleged gross negligence by those present, stating that a person with a known history of seizures was encouraged to swim in open waters without a life jacket and was left unattended. Referring to witness statements and videos cited in the chargesheet, she said Zubeen Garg showed visible signs of distress, including vomiting in the water, which were ignored.

She further claimed that after he was pulled out of the water, untrained individuals attempted CPR, resulting in broken ribs, and that Zubeen Garg also sustained a head injury under circumstances that remain unclear. Witness accounts, she said, mentioned large amounts of seawater being expelled during rescue attempts, indicating severe physical trauma.

Calling for swift justice, Garima demanded a fast-track trial and the constitution of a special bench with daily hearings exclusively for Zubeen Garg’s case.

“With over 300 witnesses, the trial may take years. Justice delayed is justice denied,” she wrote.

She also urged the government to constitute a strong public prosecutor team, supported by senior advocates and adequate logistical resources, to ensure that the case is presented effectively and no accused escapes accountability.