Investigation Launched into Zubeen Garg's Sudden Death in Singapore

Chief Minister Orders CID Investigation

Guwahati, Sep 20: Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will investigate the circumstances surrounding the unexpected death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore.

The state administration has instructed the Assam Police to transfer all First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the incident to the CID for a thorough investigation.

CM Sarma stated, "Several FIRs have been lodged against Syamkanu Mahanta and Sidharth Sarma concerning the tragic and premature passing of our beloved Zubeen Garg. I have ordered the Director General of Police to hand over all cases to the CID for a unified inquiry."

It is important to note that Shyam Kanu Mahanta was the main organizer of the Northeast Festival, while Siddhartha Sharma served as Garg's manager.

The 52-year-old artist, who gained national fame for the song 'Ya Ali' from the film Gangster, died on Friday afternoon after experiencing a seizure while swimming near a yacht in Singapore. He had reportedly felt breathless before collapsing.

Despite receiving CPR and being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, medical staff pronounced him dead around 2:50 p.m. IST.

Singaporean authorities have completed the autopsy, and his body was officially handed over to his entourage in the presence of officials from the Indian embassy.

CM Sarma mentioned that the remains would be embalmed and transported to New Delhi late Saturday, before being flown to Guwahati on a chartered flight early Sunday.

Initially, the body will be taken to Garg's home in Guwahati, allowing his father, wife, and close family members to pay their respects.

Subsequently, the remains will be displayed at Sarusajai Stadium for the public to say their final goodbyes.

CM Sarma emphasized that no unilateral decisions would be made by the state government regarding the timing and location of the last rites, which will be determined after discussions with Garg's family, close friends, and community organizations. He also announced that a state holiday would be observed on the day of the cremation.

In the meantime, Assam has declared a three-day mourning period from September 20 to 22, during which no official entertainment events, ceremonial functions, or government-hosted dinners will take place.

Zubeen Garg, who arrived in Singapore on Wednesday to perform at the Northeast Festival scheduled from September 19 to 21, was one of Assam's most cherished musical talents. His passing has created an irreplaceable gap in the cultural fabric of the state, with tributes flooding in from across India and beyond.