Justice for Zubeen Garg: Fans persist as investigations continue in India and Singapore

By Nava Thakuria* 

Even a month after the death of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg in Singapore under mysterious circumstances, thousands of his fans and admirers across eastern India continue their campaign for “JusticeForZubeenGarg.” A large digital campaign has gained momentum, with over two million social media users from around the world demanding legal action against those allegedly responsible. Although the Assam government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has arrested seven people, and a judicial commission headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court to oversee the probe, public pressure for justice remains strong.

Since Zubeen’s sudden death on 19 September 2025 at the age of 53, followed by his cremation with full state honours on 23 September, Assam has witnessed subdued celebrations during Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Diwali. Cultural events were largely cancelled, and public gatherings minimized. His cremation site in Kamarkuchi near Guwahati has gradually turned into a shrine, with fans visiting day and night to pay their respects. Zubeen, who sang thousands of songs in multiple languages and also produced and acted in Assamese films, was instrumental in sustaining the regional film industry during difficult times.

Addressing widespread speculation, the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi recently issued a statement quoting the Singapore Police Force (SPF), confirming that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding Zubeen’s death. “The case is currently being investigated by the SPF in accordance with Singapore’s Coroners Act 2010. Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play,” the statement said. It added that once the investigations are complete—possibly within three months—the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner, who will decide whether to hold a Coroner’s Inquiry.

A Coroner’s Inquiry is a judicial fact-finding process to establish the cause and circumstances of a death, with findings made public upon completion. The SPF confirmed that despite the ongoing investigation, it provided the autopsy report and preliminary findings to the Indian High Commission on 1 October 2025 upon request. The SPF emphasized that it is committed to a thorough and professional investigation and urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information.

Tensions escalated on 15 October when five accused—Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organizer of the 4th North East India Festival in Singapore; Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma; and district-level police officer Sandipan Garg among them—were moved to Baksa in western Assam after their police remand ended. As news of the transfer spread, a large crowd gathered outside the new jail, and some in the mob attacked the convoy carrying the accused, demanding instant justice and opposing the judicial process. Police responded with batons and tear gas, leading to clashes in which several individuals, including journalists and police personnel, were injured. Three vehicles, including one belonging to a Guwahati-based news channel, were set on fire.

The Geneva-based media rights group Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemned the attacks on journalists and called for strict action against the perpetrators. PEC president Blaise Lempen urged Indian media organizations to hold safety training for journalists working in volatile environments. Internet services in the area were temporarily suspended, and police arrested nine individuals for their alleged involvement in the violence.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also handles the Home portfolio, has assured that the charge sheet will be filed within three months. He met Alice Cheng, the acting Singapore High Commissioner in New Delhi, seeking cooperation from Singaporean authorities. Although an autopsy was conducted at Singapore General Hospital, a second post-mortem was performed at Gauhati Medical College Hospital amid allegations of foul play. The Singaporean death certificate, however, listed drowning as the cause of death.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited Guwahati on 17 October to pay homage to Zubeen. Accompanied by Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and Assembly opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, Gandhi met Zubeen’s widow Garima Saikia and his ailing father, M.M. Borthakur, but refrained from political remarks during his visit. At a public memorial on 19 October, Gogoi alleged that Chief Minister Sarma was interfering in the investigation to protect the accused, while Saikia sent a letter to Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong requesting a transparent inquiry into the singer’s death.

Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to honour Zubeen by erecting statues and opening two music schools in his memory, alongside one dedicated to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The party appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information as both the Indian and Singaporean investigations continue. Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia emphasized the need for a transparent probe and expressed hope that the visiting Assam Police team led by SIT chief Munna Gupta would receive full cooperation from Singaporean authorities, ensuring that Zubeen’s family and the people of Assam eventually learn the truth about the singer’s final moments in Singapore.

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*Senior journalist based in Guwahati