The investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg is set to reach a critical milestone, with the chargesheet expected to be submitted within three months, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.
“The inquiry is proceeding on expected lines. We have made one arrest after the other, and I am sure that the Assam Police will submit the chargesheet within the stipulated time frame,” Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Dibrugarh.
Assuring prompt action, the Chief Minister added, “We are duty-bound to provide justice to him and we will not spare anybody in that context. All the accused will be taken to court, and usually a time of three months is given to submit the chargesheet. We will not take more time than that to ensure that after the investigation, the court can give justice.”
Sarma also addressed challenges posed by Assam Association members in Singapore who were present with the singer in his final moments. “We are working on how to bring them back, and are making the necessary arrangements in this regard. We need to have patience and if we lose it, no one will get justice,” he said.
Regarding the limitations of cross-border investigations, the Chief Minister noted, “We cannot go to Singapore, just like their police cannot come here to investigate a case. We are, however, sure that the Singapore Police will help us. We do not need much, but the video footage of the hotel where he stayed, the yacht, and the statements of the two persons who operated it.”
Also read: Bandmate claims Zubeen Garg poisoned in Singapore
Sarma confirmed he would meet the Singapore ambassador to India later this month and expressed confidence in securing cooperation. “Considering the relationship that Assam has with that country, I am sure of getting their help. The Singaporean authorities have already sent the forensic report, and it will not be difficult for us to submit the chargesheet,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of a methodical investigation. “The investigation is progressing step by step, and if we proceed in this manner without making any mistake, we will get justice. We are emotional people, but let emotion stay in its own place and allow police to work according to its methodology. If we lose the case in court, people will accuse us that this happened as the police had hurried, not taking all aspects into consideration.”
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the singer’s death, including his cousin Sandipan Garg, manager Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, singer Amritprava Mahanta, and North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. Zubeen Garg passed away while swimming in Singapore on September 19.
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