In a major development in the investigation into the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, Singapore-based Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have recorded their statements with the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday, October 13. Three of them – Jiolangsat Narzary, Parikshit Sharma, and Siddhartha Bora – arrived at the CID headquarters, while the fourth, Bhaskar Jyoti Dutta, is expected to join later today.
Earlier, another Assamese expatriate from Singapore, Rupkamal Kalita, had appeared before the CID and was interrogated for over 24 hours.
These individuals are part of a group of ten members associated with the Assam Association Singapore who had previously failed to respond to earlier summons. Fresh notices were issued to ensure their cooperation, as the CID seeks to gather crucial testimonies to understand the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death on September 19.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID is handling the probe, which follows over 60 FIRs lodged across Assam. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said investigators have now identified a “definite angle” after receiving the viscera report. The second post-mortem was conducted at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on September 23, following an initial autopsy in Singapore immediately after Garg’s death. The viscera sample was subsequently sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory (CFL) in Delhi for detailed analysis.
The Chief Minister added that Singapore Police had sought “vital information” regarding the singer’s death, which Assam authorities provided. Earlier, the Indian government had invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to ensure cooperation in the investigation.
In connection with the case, authorities have arrested North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, and two of his band members, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta. Later, Garg’s cousin and Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg was also taken into custody.
Additionally, Garg’s personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, were arrested after authorities discovered financial transactions exceeding Rs 1.1 crore from their accounts. All seven individuals remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
