Zubeen Garg Death Investigation: Seven Arrested as SIT Awaits Singapore Evidence
New Delhi | Follow-up Story — The mystery surrounding the tragic demise of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg deepens with every passing day. Garg, who died 23 days ago on 19 September 2025 in Singapore, has now become the centre of a high-profile international murder investigation.
According to Singapore authorities, Garg’s cause of death was drowning, after he reportedly went swimming during a private yacht outing. He was declared dead on arrival at Singapore General Hospital. However, fresh developments in India suggest that the story may not be as straightforward as initially believed.
SIT Formed Under MLAT: Assam Government Launches International Probe
In a decisive move, the Assam government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 30 September 2025 to probe Zubeen Garg’s death from all possible angles.
The formation came after invoking the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore — a key international legal mechanism that enables the sharing of evidence between the two nations.
The nine-member SIT, headed by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, is investigating the case under multiple serious charges — including:
- Murder (Section 302, IPC)
- Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120B)
- Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder (Section 304)
- Causing Death by Negligence (Section 304A)
“The SIT is pursuing all legal channels to retrieve critical digital evidence from Singapore,” said a senior Assam Police officer.
Seven Arrested So Far in Zubeen Garg Death Case
The Zubeen Garg death investigation took a dramatic turn with a series of arrests following the formation of the SIT. As of 11 October 2025, a total of seven individuals have been taken into custody.
Those arrested include:
- Shyamkanu Mahanta, festival organiser
- Siddhartha Sharma, Garg’s manager
- Sandipan Garg, his cousin and a serving police officer
- Shekharjyoti Goswami, musician
- Amritprava Mahanta, singer
- Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, Garg’s personal security officers (PSOs)
The PSOs were arrested on 10 October 2025 over alleged financial irregularities and lapses in duty. Officials indicated that inconsistencies in the security arrangements and travel itinerary led to their detention.
Awaiting Singapore’s Response Under MLAT
The SIT’s investigation has now entered a critical phase, with the team awaiting vital evidence from Singapore. Requests have been made for CCTV footage, forensic data, and the Singapore Police investigation report, all under the provisions of the MLAT.
Officials confirmed that no chargesheet deadline has been announced yet. The final chargesheet will be prepared only after the foreign evidence and the comprehensive post-mortem report are received and examined.
The post-mortem report — based on viscera analysis from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and reviewed by experts at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) — is currently in its final stages.
“We are awaiting the international evidence to ensure that every aspect is legally verified,” a senior SIT official said.
Murder Angle Not Ruled Out
While early reports pointed to accidental drowning, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of foul play. Sources suggest that the SIT is examining financial transactions, last-minute travel changes, and interpersonal disputes within Garg’s inner circle.
The inclusion of multiple close associates in the arrest list indicates the probe is widening beyond negligence — possibly into intentional criminal acts.
Fans Demand Justice, Industry in Mourning
The death of Zubeen Garg, beloved across the North East and revered as a cultural icon, has left fans and colleagues devastated. Candlelight vigils and social media campaigns under hashtags like #JusticeForZubeen continue to trend across Assam and beyond.
Prominent musicians and fans have urged authorities to ensure transparency and swift justice, calling Garg’s demise “a national cultural loss.”
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the Zubeen Garg death investigation unfolds, the SIT is coordinating closely with Singaporean authorities and Interpol channels to obtain authenticated footage and forensic material.
Legal experts believe the case could become a benchmark for cross-border criminal investigations involving Indian nationals.
The final chargesheet is expected only after forensic, digital, and international evidence are verified, ensuring a watertight prosecution.
Bottom Line
Zubeen Garg’s untimely death has turned from a tragic accident into one of the most high-profile criminal investigationsof 2025. With the SIT delving into international evidence and seven arrests already made, India awaits the truth behind the loss of one of its most celebrated voices.
