In a shocking development surrounding the death of iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, his bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami has alleged that Garg was poisoned while in Singapore. The claim, now part of official police documents, has intensified the investigation into the singer’s mysterious demise during his visit to the Southeast Asian nation.
Garg died on September 19 while swimming in the sea near Singapore, where he had travelled to attend the 4th NorthEast India Festival, organized by Shyamkanu Mahanta and his company. Initially believed to be a case of accidental drowning, the circumstances of his death have come under scrutiny following Goswami’s explosive testimony.
According to the remand note accessed by investigators, Goswami accused Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta of orchestrating the poisoning. He claimed the duo deliberately chose a foreign venue to execute their plan and later attempted to portray the death as accidental. Goswami further alleged that Sharma forcibly took control of the yacht from its sailor, causing instability at sea and endangering passengers.
During the critical moments when Garg was reportedly gasping for breath, Sharma was allegedly heard shouting “Jabo de, jabo de” (let him go), despite Garg being an expert swimmer. Goswami also stated that Sharma dismissed visible signs of distress — including frothing at the mouth and nose — as “acid reflux” and discouraged any medical intervention.
The remand note, signed by Senior Superintendent of Police Rosie Kalita, includes claims that Sharma instructed Goswami not to share video footage from the yacht. Material evidence, including financial records and witness statements, reportedly supports the allegations and establishes prima facie culpability.
In response to the mounting controversy, the Assam government has formed a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID and appointed a one-man judicial commission led by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court to probe the incident. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged individuals with relevant information or footage to come forward and assist the inquiry.
Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has received the post-mortem report from Singapore and is expected to receive the second report from Gauhati Medical College Hospital shortly. She expressed trust in the investigation and a strong desire to uncover the truth behind her husband’s final moments.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Assam and the Indian music community, with fans and artists demanding justice for the beloved singer. As the investigation deepens, the focus remains on verifying the claims and determining the exact cause of Garg’s untimely death.
