Zubeen Garg Death Investigation: Timeline, Arrests, and Latest Developments
Singer Zubeen Garg’s sudden death in Singapore on September 19, 2025, has triggered a high-profile investigation led by Assam’s Special Investigation Team (SIT). The case, initially reported as a natural drowning, has unfolded dramatically with key arrests, raids, and public outcry demanding justice.
Early Events and Incident Overview
Zubeen Garg, 52, a legendary Assamese singer and actor, died tragically while swimming at Lazarus Island in Singapore during a yacht outing organised by the Singapore Assam Association. Singapore police initially reported his death as natural drowning, based on an autopsy that confirmed drowning as the cause of death. The singer was found unconscious in the sea and later declared dead at Singapore General Hospital.
However, contradicting initial reports of a scuba diving mishap, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia, clarified that Zubeen suffered a seizure while swimming without a life jacket, which likely caused the drowning. Videos surfaced showing him unconscious in the water, heightening suspicion and public concern over the circumstances.
Despite Singapore authorities clearing the death as natural, large-scale protests and allegations of negligence or foul play in Assam prompted the state government to order a second post-mortem and establish a SIT. The investigation quickly expanded to include associates present during the incident, event organisers, and the singer’s manager.
Formation of SIT and Investigation Expansion
The Assam government constituted a 10-member SIT, headed by Special DGP MP Gupta, to conduct a transparent probe into Garg’s death.
The SIT started questioning key individuals, including family members, the singer’s drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and acquaintances who were in Singapore during the incident.
The government invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore, enabling police cooperation and evidence-sharing. Two Assam police officers have been deployed in Singapore to assist the investigation.
Arrests and Raids
On September 30, 2025, festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta was arrested upon arriving in Delhi from Singapore, and manager Siddhartha Sharma was picked up from an apartment in Gurugram after being on the run.
Both were brought to Guwahati and remanded to 14 days of police custody for interrogation.
Police raided the homes of the accused, seizing important documents. The singer’s mobile phone was recovered from Siddhartha Sharma for forensic examination.
Summons were issued to a dozen other attendees of the yacht outing to join the investigation.
Public and Official Reactions
Thousands of fans gathered in Jorhat, Assam, to participate in the Adya Sharaddha (13-day death ritual) for Zubeen Garg, reflecting widespread mourning.
The Assam Chief Minister and Assam DGP have called for faith in the SIT process and assured the inquiry would reach a logical conclusion soon.
Garima Saikia Garg expressed her confidence in the legal process but emphasised the need to uncover the exact facts behind her husband’s death.
Over 55 FIRs have been filed across Assam in connection with the case, highlighting the intense public demand for justice.
Current Status and Outlook
The SIT continues to probe all angles, including culpable homicide and negligence charges. Collaboration with Singapore authorities under MLAT remains active, seeking additional forensic evidence and testimonies. The Assam government has also announced plans to build a permanent memorial for Zubeen Garg in Jorhat, his musical hometown.
The investigation is still evolving, and more arrests or developments are expected. Assurances have been made for transparency and completion of the probe within the next week.
Conclusion
Zubeen Garg’s death case has moved beyond an initial natural death report to a complex investigation involving arrests, cross-border cooperation, and detailed forensic examination. As SIT probes intensify, the public and family await justice and clarity on the circumstances that led to the singer’s tragic demise.
