by Nava Thakuria
Even after a month since the mysterious passing of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg in Singapore, thousands of his fans and admirers across eastern India continue their relentless “JusticeForZubeenGarg” campaign. The movement, which began as a local outpouring of grief, has evolved into a massive digital crusade. Over two million social media users worldwide have joined in, demanding legal action against those allegedly involved in the tragedy.
Despite the Assam government forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT)—which has already arrested seven individuals—and appointing a judicial commission headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court to monitor the probe, public outrage remains intense. The demand for swift and transparent justice grows louder by the day.
Mourning the Prince of Melody
Zubeen’s sudden demise on 19 September 2025 at the age of 53 cast a shadow of grief over Assam. His cremation on 23 September with full state honours turned the Kamarkuchi cremation ground near Guwahati into a place of pilgrimage. Fans continue to visit the site day and night, paying respects to the beloved singer who lent his voice to thousands of songs in multiple languages, and helped sustain Assam’s struggling film industry through his acting and production ventures.
This year’s Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Diwali celebrations in the State were subdued, with many cultural events cancelled in his memory—a testament to the deep emotional bond the people shared with the “Prince of Melody.”
Singapore Authorities Speak
Addressing widespread speculation, the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi recently issued a statement quoting the Singapore Police Force (SPF). It confirmed that the SPF is investigating the circumstances surrounding Zubeen’s death under the Coroners Act 2010.
“Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play,”
the statement said.
“Once the investigation is complete—expected to take up to three months—the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore, who will then determine whether to hold a Coroner’s Inquiry.”
A Coroner’s Inquiry, the statement clarified, is a judicial fact-finding process to establish the cause and circumstances of death. The findings can be made public after its conclusion.
The SPF also disclosed that, on 1 October 2025, it shared the autopsy report and preliminary findings with the High Commission of India upon request. Urging patience, it appealed to the public “not to speculate or spread unverified information.”
Violence Erupts in Assam
Tensions flared on 15 October, when five of the accused—including Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the 4th North East India Festival in Singapore (where Zubeen was scheduled to perform), his manager Siddharth Sharma, and police officer Sandipan Garg, who accompanied him on the ill-fated yacht outing—were transferred to Baksa district jail in western Assam for security reasons.
As news of their transfer spread, a large crowd gathered outside the jail. Some protesters pelted stones at the convoy carrying the accused, demanding “instant justice” and opposing what they termed a “slow judicial process.” Police responded with batons and tear gas, triggering chaos. Several vehicles—including one belonging to a Guwahati-based TV news channel—were torched.
A number of police personnel, journalists, and protesters were injured. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a Geneva-based media rights organisation, condemned the attack on journalists and urged strict action against the perpetrators. PEC President Blaise Lempen also called upon Indian media houses to organise regular safety training for reporters covering volatile situations.
Internet services in the area were suspended temporarily, and nine individuals—identified as Kader Ali, Ramee Ali, Ahela Miya, Chalamun Ali, Rachim Ali, Charuk Ali, Nabaraj Gautam, Nasibur Rahman, and Bidyut Chetri—were arrested in connection with the violence.
Political Reactions and Investigations
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, assured that the charge sheet in the case would be filed within three months. The CM recently met Alice Cheng, Acting High Commissioner of Singapore in New Delhi, seeking full cooperation from Singaporean authorities.
Although Zubeen’s autopsy was first conducted at the Singapore General Hospital, a second post-mortem was carried out at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital after allegations of foul play emerged. The Singapore death certificate, however, cited drowning as the cause of death.
On 17 October, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Guwahati to pay homage to Zubeen Garg. Accompanied by Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, Gandhi met Zubeen’s widow Garima Saikia, his ailing father M.M. Borthakur, and family members. He refrained from any political statements during the visit.
At a public memorial on 19 October, MP Gaurav Gogoi alleged that CM Sarma was “misguiding” the investigation to protect the accused. MLA Debabrata Saikia also wrote to Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, seeking a transparent and independent coroner’s inquiry into the case.
Remembering Zubeen Garg
Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced plans to commemorate Zubeen’s legacy by erecting statues in his honour and establishing music schools—including one named after Dr. Bhupen Hazarika—in various parts of Assam.
Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours, assuring that both the Indian and Singaporean investigations are underway. He reiterated the party’s commitment to a transparent and fair probe, expressing confidence that the SIT team led by Munna Gupta would receive full cooperation from Singaporean authorities.
As Assam mourns, the people wait anxiously for answers—hoping the truth behind Zubeen Garg’s untimely death will finally come to light, and justice will be served for the artist who gave voice to their hearts.
