Amid speculations surrounding the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, the Assam Police has filed a case against Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of the North East Festival in Singapore, and Garg’s manager, Sidharth Sarma. Mahanta faces allegations that he pressured an unwilling Garg into attending the event.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on Sunday that the state CID has taken over the investigation into the singer’s death. "Since several FIRs have been lodged in connection with the demise of the singer, and demands for investigation keep coming from various quarters, we will seek help from the authorities in Singapore in the investigation. We've sought the last video footage of the singer from Singapore," the CM posted on X.
However, Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has broken her silence on Sidharth Sarma’s alleged involvement in the death. She posted an emotional appeal to fans this evening, urging them not to doubt Sarma.
Stating that Sidharth was “like a brother to them”, Garima recalled how the manager took care of Zubeen when he fell critically ill in 2020. “Siddharth arranged all the necessary treatment in Mumbai and brought Zubeen back safely. Zubeen would never listen to anything against Sidharth,” Garima said, adding that Sharma wouldn’t do anything to harm or hurt Zubeen. “So please let this young man be present for Zubeen’s final journey. Put aside any doubts or thoughts you may have about Sidharth,” Garima added.
Last rites of Zubeen Garg
Meanwhile, the singer will be buried at Hatimura in Sonapur. A team of senior state officials visited multiple sites, including the North East Tribal Museum at Nazirakhat, Science City, and Moirakuchi, to identify a suitable place for the ceremony, but the family wanted his last rites to be held near Guwahati.
A team of doctors from the Anatomy Department of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital will examine the remains of Garg to decide how long the body can be preserved for public homage at Sarusajai. While the body will be kept there on Sunday, doctors have yet to determine whether it can be preserved for tomorrow and the day after. If signs of decomposition are detected, cremation may be carried out as early as tomorrow evening, according to local media reports.