The investigation into the death of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has taken a dramatic turn, with the Assam Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) arresting two more people linked to the case. On Thursday, authorities confirmed the arrest of Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, Garg’s long-time bandmate, and Amritprava Mahanta, a co-singer who performed with him on several occasions.
Their arrests have now brought the total number of people in custody in the case to four, adding a new layer of seriousness to the probe into the circumstances of Garg’s sudden and tragic death in Singapore last month.
The Incident: What Happened in Singapore
On the night of September 19, 2025, Zubeen Garg, aged 52, attended a private yacht party during the North East India Festival in Singapore. The event was meant to showcase the cultural richness of the region, and Garg, being one of Assam’s most celebrated voices, was among the main highlights.
According to investigators, Garg went for a swim near the yacht. Moments later, he was found floating face down in the water. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and his death was confirmed shortly afterwards.
Authorities in Singapore initially described the death as a “drowning incident,” but videos and testimonies from the event quickly raised suspicions about the sequence of events and the role of those around him.
Why the Latest Arrests Were Made
The SIT revealed that both Goswami and Mahanta were directly present with Garg during his final moments:
- Video Evidence: CCTV and mobile clips show Goswami swimming very close to Garg just before he went under. Investigators are analyzing whether his proximity could have played any role in what happened.
- Phone Recordings: Mahanta is reported to have filmed significant portions of the incident on her phone. The SIT believes her footage could provide crucial evidence about the exact timeline and behavior of people on the yacht.
Both individuals were questioned for nearly six days before their arrests were made official. On Friday, they were produced in court, which sent them into 14 days of CID custody to allow investigators more time to interrogate them and cross-check their accounts.
Earlier Arrests: Garg’s Manager and Festival Organiser
Before these arrests, the SIT had already taken into custody two other people:
- Siddharth Sharma – Garg’s personal manager and close aide who had been handling his professional commitments for years.
- Shyamkanu Mahanta – the main organiser of the North East India Festival where Garg had been performing.
Both men were charged under multiple sections, including:
- Murder (Section 103 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)
- Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- Criminal conspiracy
- Causing death by negligence
Initially, the charges were less severe, but police later upgraded them to include murder, citing new findings and inconsistencies in their statements. Both Sharma and Shyamkanu are also in 14-day custody and will be questioned alongside Goswami and Mahanta.
The Investigation: Building an International Case
The SIT headed by Munna Gupta, Special Director General of Assam CID, has been under pressure to uncover the truth behind the shocking death. Gupta confirmed that the police are carefully piecing together timelines, eyewitness statements, and digital records.
Key points in the ongoing investigation include:
- Autopsy Report: Singapore authorities shared Garg’s autopsy results with Indian investigators. While details remain confidential, officials hinted that findings were not fully consistent with a simple drowning.
- Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT): The Government of India has formally invoked MLAT with Singapore, seeking cooperation, digital evidence, and testimonies of those present.
- Travel to Singapore: The SIT has requested approval to visit Singapore to directly examine evidence, including forensic data, yacht logs, and additional witness statements. Gupta said, “Our team is ready. The formalities take time, but we are determined to bring all facts to light.”
Family’s Reaction: Faith in Justice
Amid growing speculation, Garg’s wife, Garima Garg, has urged the public to remain patient and allow the legal system to function. Speaking to ANI, she said:
“The investigation is ongoing and being handled in their own way. We should not comment prematurely. I have full faith that justice will be delivered. If anyone is guilty, they will face punishment very soon.”
Her statement reflects the family’s commitment to let the law determine accountability rather than fueling rumors.
Why This Case Matters
The death of Zubeen Garg has not only left a cultural void but also shaken public confidence. Garg was one of Assam’s most beloved singers, known for hits such as Ya Ali and for his immense contribution to Assamese music, cinema, and activism.
Public anger has grown as details of the case unfold, with many questioning why people close to him did not act quickly enough or why there were delays in reporting the exact circumstances.
The fact that the SIT has now arrested four individuals closely associated with Garg—including his manager, festival organiser, bandmate, and co-singer—suggests investigators are treating the case as far more than a tragic accident.
What Happens Next
- Interrogations Continue: All four accused will be questioned in custody. Police are expected to confront them with each other’s statements and video evidence.
- Singapore Link: The SIT awaits approval to travel to Singapore to secure more technical evidence and eyewitness reports.
- Charge Sheet: Depending on findings, investigators may file a charge sheet under serious criminal provisions, which could include murder and conspiracy.
- Court Proceedings: The next hearing will determine whether the accused will remain in custody or face bail applications.
The arrest of Zubeen Garg’s bandmate and co-singer marks a turning point in the investigation. What started as a suspected accidental drowning is now being probed as a potential case of murder and conspiracy.
For fans of the singer, the pain of losing an icon has been compounded by the unsettling revelations emerging week after week. Yet, with the SIT’s continued efforts and cooperation from Singaporean authorities, there is growing hope that the truth of what really happened on that fateful September night will soon come to light.
The Information is Collected from NDTV and WION.
