The Movement
Celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg died on this day in an accident
in Singapore while attending the Northeast India Festival.
In the aftermath, there has been strong public outcry in Assam, with people demanding:
Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, including examination of the actions of event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and manager Siddharth Sharma for potential negligence.
Ensure accountability and pursue arrest of any individuals found responsible for negligence..
Investigate and provide transparency regarding all financial transactions by his manager. This should address allegations regarding both current and former managers taking an unreasonable portion of Zubeen’s royalty payments.
Scrutinize accountability and financial practices relating to North East India Festivals organized outside of Assam, focusing on any signs of financial mismanagement or corruption.
Alleged Financial mismanagement and exploitation by Manager in shadow of Zubeen's innocence and trust.
Arrange ongoing financial support for Zubeen’s family members, including his wife Garima Saikia, father, and sister Palmee Borthakur.
Chronology of the accident
Zubeen Garg traveled to Singapore to attend North East India Festival on invitation.
01 Arrival at Singapore
Zubeen Garg arrived at Singapore with manager Siddharth Sharma, artist Shekhar Goswami and cousin Sandipan Garg.
02 Stay at Hotel
Stayed in Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore. Goes to a near by pub with his companions at night. Exact time of his return to hotel is unknown.
03 Travel to port
Zubeen left the hotel around that time by car for South Marina Port, which was about a 10-minute drive. From the port all left for Lazarus Island on a yacht. He was accompanied by his team and members of the Singapore Assam Association.
04 At Lazarus island
The party arrived at the island. Zubeen’s team members swam with life jackets. Zubeen also joined them initially wearing a life jacket but later removed it..
05 the accident
There are Zubeen Garg struggles swimming in the sea. As per statement by Shekhar
Goswami, he throws up and taken to the boat unconscious.
06 The return
He was administered CPR on the boat by the people present. The boat was taken back and help was called for fast boat emergency service. At the port, Zubeen was administered CPR again by the Emergency.
07 demise
From the port, he was taken to Singapore General Hospital ICU. The doctor's declared Zubeen Garg dead.
The news - end of an era!
News of Zubeen Garg’s demise began circulating in the media around 2:45 PM IST. The initial reports lacked clarity, and many rumors about the accident spread rapidly. The actual sequence of events became clear after hours. For the people of Assam, it was an unbearable shock and marked the end of an era.
Aftermath - public outcry
Zubeen Garg's death was not accepted easily by the common people of Assam. At the age of 52, he had a long life to live and contribute so much to the society. While leaving for Singapore, he was not at the best of his health. The main allegations are on negligence of the organizers of North-East India Festival, his fellow companions and Assam association of Singapore. Numerous rallies were held and multiple FIRs filed in police stations across Assam against this negligent behavior of the responsible people.
justice for zubeen online petition
change.org petition is one way of raising voices. Currently signed by more than 300,000.
Primary Allegations
Manager of Zubeen Garg.
Primary Allegations
Organizer of NE Festival in Signapore
Primary Allegations
The SIT investigation
The SIT team consists of the following members:
CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta (MP Gupta), with Dr. Rosie Kalita as Chief Investigating Officer and Moramee Das as Additional Investigating Officer. Other members included Laba Deka, Tarun Goel, Dhurba Jyoti Bora, Mukhtajur Rahman, Krishanu Pathak, and Girendra Keot
Timelines
Sept 22, 2025 Zubeen’s body undergoes a second autopsy in Assam amid public demand.
Sept 24, 2025 Assam CM orders a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by CID Special DGP M.P. Gupta.
Sept 25, 2025 SIT conducts raids at the homes of Siddharth Sharma, Shyamkanu Mahanta, and Shekhar Goswami; media reports crowd gathering.
Sept 25, 2025 CM Himanta Biswa Sarma warns of CBI backup probe if SIT investigation is later found unsatisfactory.
Sept 26, 2025 Notices issued to 10+ people present in Singapore with Zubeen, including Shyamkanu, Siddharth, Shekhar, and others.
Sept 27, 2025 SIT continues questioning witnesses and examines digital evidence seized during earlier raids.
Sept 27, 2025 Assam Govt. issues lookout notices on two leads.
Sept 29, 2025 The SIT is still active; CM reiterates that “a truth within 15 days” is expected and urged patience.
Oct 01, 2025 Siddharth Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta arrested
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