The investigation into the mysterious death of Assam’s celebrated singer Zubeen Garg gained momentum on Monday as three Assamese expatriates from Singapore appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Guwahati to record their statements before the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Special DGP (CID) and SIT Chief Munna Prasad Gupta confirmed the development, stating that the interrogation of the three — Jolongsat Narzary, Siddhartha Bora, and Parikshit Sarma, was underway. “Earlier, one Assamese expatriate from Singapore, Rupkamal Kalita, provided his statement before the SIT. Today, three more have come, and by this evening, one more is likely to come. Tomorrow, a few others are also likely to come,” Gupta said.
He further added that the CID had received both the viscera report and the expert medical committee’s findings. “We will submit the reports before the court. We are trying to reach a logical conclusion soon,” he said.
Garg, one of Assam’s most iconic voices, passed away in Singapore on September 19, allegedly while swimming, just a day before he was to perform at the Northeast India Festival. His sudden demise shocked the entire region and triggered widespread demands for a thorough probe.
However, the case took a dramatic turn when Garg’s bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami claimed that the singer had been poisoned in Singapore — a charge that added further intrigue to the investigation.
Also read: Two of Zubeen Garg’s PSOs arrested in singer’s death case
Gupta also said the SIT had initiated international coordination to pursue leads abroad. “We have already sent a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) request to Singapore through the Ministry of Home Affairs. We are waiting for permission from the Singapore authorities. Our team is ready to leave for Singapore. We seek permission from the Singapore authorities. We also seek facts from the authorities of Singapore,” he said.
So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with Garg’s death, including the event’s main organiser, Shyamkanu Mahanta; Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma; his bandmate, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami; co-singer, Amritprava Mahanta; Garg’s cousin and Assam Police Service officer, Sandipan Garg (currently suspended); and two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
The 14-day police custody of Mahanta and Sharma is set to end on October 14, after which the CID is expected to seek further custody or judicial remand depending on the progress of the investigation.
The SIT continues to piece together evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding Garg’s untimely death, even as emotions remain raw across Assam over the loss of one of its most beloved cultural icons.
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