Was Zubeen Garg ‘killed’: The facts we know so far
During the critical moment, manager Siddharth Sharma allegedly shouted, ‘Jabo de, jabo de’ (let him go), instead of helping
Assam Police hand over second post-mortem report of Zubeen Garg to his wife and "it is up to Garima whether she makes the post-mortem report public or not," says police.
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Related news: Musician, singer arrested in Zubeen Garg’s death case; total arrests reach 4
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
Advertisement
Advertisement