The tragic and mysterious death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has prompted Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to call for a thorough investigation, including the possibility of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Garg, a beloved cultural icon, drowned under unusual circumstances while swimming in Singapore during the North East India Festival on September 19, 2025. Although Singapores initial post-mortem listed drowning as the cause of death, suspicions of foul play have stirred deep concern among his fans and the Assamese community, both in India and abroad.

The Assam government swiftly responded by setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta to conduct an in-depth inquiry. Key figures connected to the event, including Zubeen’s bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, who accompanied him to Singapore, have already been questioned, with Goswami taken into custody for investigation. Additionally, the homes of event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen’s manager Siddhartha Sharma were raided as part of the effort to uncover any possible inconsistencies or overlooked details.

The Assam CM has urged the public to maintain calm, avoid rumors on social media, and place trust in the investigative process. However, in the event the SITs findings are deemed unsatisfactory, the government has firmly committed to requesting a CBI investigation to ensure full transparency and justice. This move aims to restore public confidence and address the concerns of Assams populace who have been demanding a credible probe monitored by the highest judicial authority.

What adds complexity to the investigation are the international elements surrounding the case. Since the death happened in Singapore, investigative cooperation across borders is essential. The authorities are thus coordinating with Singaporean officials, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in resolving such sensitive cases involving cross-border incidents.

Zubeen Gargs death has led to widespread mourning and has deeply affected the Assamese diaspora globally. Known not just for his musical talents but also for his cultural activism, Gargs sudden passing left a void in the artistic community. The government’s promise of a meticulous investigation, with the option for a CBI takeover, reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgency to quell speculation through concrete facts.

This case exemplifies how deaths under suspicious circumstances, especially abroad, require multi-faceted investigations involving local, national, and international agencies. The demand for a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe further underscores the public’s insistence on impartiality and rigor in uncovering truth in cases where influential figures are involved.

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