Was Zubeen Garg ‘killed’: The facts we know so far

In a shocking twist to the untimely demise of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, new allegations suggest he may have been poisoned during a trip to Singapore, reports PTI.

Related news: Zubeen Garg's bandmate alleges singer was poisoned in Singapore by manager, festival organiser

The revelations come amid a high-profile investigation involving top officials, arrests and mounting public pressure.

Allegations of murder

Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a close bandmate of Zubeen and one of the arrested in the case, has alleged in a police remand note that Zubeen was poisoned by his manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta while attending the 4th edition of the NorthEast India Festival in Singapore on September 19.

Goswami claimed the incident was staged to appear as an accidental drowning. He described how Zubeen, an expert swimmer, was seen gasping for breath while swimming in the sea.

During the critical moment, Sharma allegedly shouted, “Jabo de, jabo de” (let him go), instead of helping.

Suspicious conduct and evidence

According to the remand note signed by senior SP Rosie Kalita: Sharma allegedly seized control of the yacht, making it unstable.

When Zubeen showed signs of poisoning—frothing at the mouth, Sharma dismissed it as acid reflux.

Sharma also reportedly prevented the sharing of key videos recorded on the yacht.

Investigators say early evidence, including financial records and witness statements, points to a possible criminal conspiracy.

Arrests and investigation

Four individuals have been arrested and sent to 14 days’ police custody:

Siddharth Sharma – Zubeen's manager

Shyamkanu Mahanta – Festival organiser

Shekhar Jyoti Goswami – Bandmate & whistleblower

Amritprabha Mahanta – Bandmate

The case is now being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Assam CID. Over 60 FIRs have been filed across Assam related to the incident.

Judicial probe ordered

The Assam government has set up a one-man judicial commission led by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court. The panel has six months to investigate:

Post-mortem and forensics

Zubeen’s first post-mortem was done in Singapore.

A second autopsy was conducted at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) before his cremation on September 23.

Viscera samples have been sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory in Delhi for toxicology tests.

Both autopsy reports have been handed over to his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, who may choose to make them public.

Political links under scrutiny

Shyamkanu Mahanta, the main festival organiser, is closely linked to powerful individuals, including Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, former DGP and current Chief Information Commissioner of Assam

Nani Gopal Mahanta, former advisor to the CM and current Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University

With PTI inputs