In a major development in the investigation into legendary artist Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore, Assam Police on Wednesday, October 1, arrested his manager Siddhartha Sharma and North East India Festival (NEIF) organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta.
Sharma was picked up from Gurugram while Mahanta was detained at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on his return from Singapore. Both were flown to Guwahati and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup (Metro), who sent them to 14 days police custody.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Special DGP MP Gupta is probing the case. Notices have also been served to several individuals, including members of the Singapore Assam Association and festival delegates, directing them to appear before investigators.
The arrests come days after the Assam government sought Interpol’s help and issued lookout circulars against Sharma and Mahanta, asking them to appear before the CID by October 6.
Garg, one of Assam’s most celebrated singers, died on September 19 in Singapore, reportedly by drowning. The incident triggered widespread shock and protests across Assam, with the government declaring a three-day state mourning.
Mahanta, as NEIF organiser, had invited Garg to perform at the festival, while Sharma was managing the singer during the trip. Both now face allegations of negligence in connection with his death.
