The sudden death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has shaken the nation and opened a Pandora’s box of shocking revelations. Once believed to be a tragic drowning accident, the case has now taken a sinister turn, with emerging witness testimonies hinting at a possible conspiracy, deliberate negligence, and even poisoning. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam is probing the matter, and several individuals close to the singer including his manager and associates are now under custody. As the investigation unfolds, disturbing claims have surfaced that suggest Zubeen’s death might have been more than just a tragic mishap.
Bandmate’s Explosive Testimony: “It Wasn’t an Accident”
In a startling revelation, Shekharjyoti Goswami, one of Zubeen’s closest bandmates, has accused two individuals Siddharth Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta of poisoning the singer. Goswami’s statement, part of the official remand note accessed by media, paints a chilling picture of the final moments leading to Zubeen’s death.
According to Goswami, Siddharth Sharma behaved suspiciously throughout their Singapore trip. He allegedly forcibly took control of the yacht on which Zubeen was last seen alive and endangered other passengers. More alarmingly, when Zubeen began frothing at the mouth and nose, Sharma was reportedly heard shouting, “Jabo de, jabo de” meaning “Let him go” instead of providing help.
Goswami claimed that Sharma dismissed the alarming symptoms as “acid reflux” and stopped others from calling for medical assistance. He also alleged that Sharma personally controlled the drinks served onboard, having earlier instructed another member, Tanmoy Phukan, not to arrange any beverages. Witnesses now believe this act of negligence or deliberate interference may have fatally hastened Zubeen’s death.
Suspicious Circumstances Around the Singapore Trip
The choice of Singapore as the performance destination has also raised serious doubts. The event was tied to the 60th year of India-Singapore Diplomatic Relations and the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism. Zubeen had gone there to perform at the Northeast India Festival, organised by Mahanta.
However, Goswami’s testimony suggests the foreign location was deliberately chosen to make any investigation difficult and to disguise the alleged murder as an accidental drowning. The post-mortem report from Singapore stated drowning as the cause of death while swimming near a local island, but witnesses insist that Zubeen was an expert swimmer, making accidental drowning unlikely.
The remand note further reveals that Sharma instructed Goswami not to share any footage or videos from the yacht with anyone another move that suggests a possible attempt to suppress evidence.
CID Investigation: Arrests, Custody, and Financial Links
The Assam CID has intensified its investigation after receiving over 60 FIRs across the state demanding justice for Zubeen. The CID arrested Siddharth Sharma (manager), Shyamkanu Mahanta (festival organiser), and two others in Delhi and brought them to Guwahati for questioning. Both were sent to 14 days of police custody, along with band members Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahanta, who were allegedly present when Zubeen died.
The remand order mentions that investigators are examining electronic devices, phones, and video footage linked to the incident. It also authorises interrogation of the suspects to trace the possible conspiracy chain and verify links to financial misconduct.
In a significant development, sources suggest that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) Department are now likely to join the probe. Their focus will be on suspected benami assets and organised financial crimes linked to event manager Mahanta, whose name has repeatedly surfaced in the case.
Judicial Inquiry Ordered: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Response
Responding to the growing public outrage, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a judicial inquiry will be conducted into Zubeen Garg’s death. The probe will be led by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court, ensuring an independent and transparent investigation.
The Chief Minister also warned against the circulation of AI-generated or manipulated images related to the case. A viral photo had earlier shown Mahanta and Sharma smiling during their arrest, triggering anger among fans. The CM made it clear that spreading misleading visuals could invite strict legal action, as misinformation could obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Sarma further appealed to the public to share any credible information or video evidence related to Zubeen’s final hours in Singapore, reinforcing his commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the singer’s mysterious death.
The Legal Battle Intensifies: Mahanta Moves Supreme Court
Even as the CID continues its probe, Shyamkanu Mahanta has approached the Supreme Court, seeking the transfer of the case to a central agency such as the CBI or NIA. In his petition, Mahanta alleged that he faces serious threats to his life and personal liberty due to massive public outrage in Assam and intense media scrutiny.
His plea raises critical questions is he genuinely concerned about safety, or is this an attempt to escape state-level accountability? The court is yet to take a call on whether to shift the investigation, but for now, the Assam CID continues to lead the case under close public and political watch.
The Unfinished Quest for Truth
The death of Zubeen Garg has left a gaping wound in India’s cultural heartland, particularly in Assam, where he was revered as much more than just a singer a symbol of regional pride and artistic freedom. What began as an accidental drowning case has now evolved into a potential criminal conspiracy involving poisoning, negligence, and financial corruption.
The explosive testimonies, questionable behaviour of associates, and expanding probe indicate that the truth behind Zubeen’s death is far from settled. As the CID, judiciary, and possibly central agencies dig deeper, one fact stands out the people of Assam will not rest until justice is delivered.
