GUWAHATI: In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has now established a “definite angle” following the receipt of the viscera report.
Speaking during a Facebook Live session on Sunday, the Chief Minister confirmed that the forensic report from the Central Forensic Laboratory (CFL) in Delhi has provided significant clarity to the investigative team.
Key Takeaways from the CM’s Statement:
- “Definite Angle” Established: Chief Minister Sarma stated, “The Central Forensic Laboratory in Delhi has given us the viscera report. I am happy to say that now the CID has got a definite angle into the case.”
- Chronology to be Filed in Court: He expressed confidence that the entire sequence of events related to the singer’s death would be presented to the court shortly. “Within a very few days, the entire chronology of the Zubeen Garg (death case) will be presented before the court,” the CM added.
- Witnesses Summoned: The Chief Minister also disclosed that four more Assamese expatriates, who were reportedly present during Garg’s final moments in Singapore, are scheduled to arrive in Guwahati on Monday to record their statements before the CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Background on the Investigation
Zubeen Garg, an icon of Assamese culture, passed away in Singapore on September 19 while swimming in the sea. He was in the Southeast Asian nation to participate in the 4th edition of the North East India Festival.
- Forensic Process: Following the singer’s death, a second post-mortem was conducted at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) upon the return of the body, and the viscera sample was sent to the CFL in Delhi for detailed examination. The CID-SIT has since forwarded the CFL report to GMCH, where an expert committee of doctors is tasked with preparing the final comprehensive report by cross-verifying the post-mortem and viscera findings.
- Arrests and Financial Probe: So far, the CID has arrested seven individuals in connection with the case, including the festival organiser, the singer’s manager, two band members, his cousin (an APS officer), and his two Personal Security Officers (PSOs). The probe has also reportedly uncovered financial transactions of over ₹1.1 crore in the accounts of the arrested PSOs.
- Cooperation from Singapore-based Expats: The police had issued fresh summonses to over ten Assamese expatriates in Singapore who were associated with the event. While one individual had previously appeared, the CM’s latest announcement indicates increasing cooperation, stating, “We get a positive response from the NRI Assamese people in Singapore… I hope that we will get a positive response today or tomorrow.”
The Chief Minister concluded by asserting that the SIT investigation is progressing on “expected lines” and that the government is confident in its pursuit of justice for the beloved artist.
