Assam CM calls Zubeen Garg’s death 'plain and simple murder' in Assembly
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday described the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg as “plain and simple murder” during the state Assembly’s winter session, asserting that “one person killed him and others assisted.”
Sarma told legislators that the preliminary investigation by Assam Police indicated the incident was not a case of culpable homicide but a deliberate killing.
He said the police added Section 103 of the BNS to the case within three days of Garg’s death.
The Chief Minister said the Special Investigation Team (SIT), operating under the CID of Assam Police, has arrested seven individuals, examined 252 witnesses, and seized 29 items in connection with the case.
Sarma claimed that one person killed Garg while others assisted him, and the police are booking four to five people in the murder case.
He added that after the police file the chargesheet in December, they will expand the investigation to examine negligence, criminal breach of trust, and other aspects.
Sarma further asserted, “The SIT will submit a watertight chargesheet, and the motive behind this crime will shock the people of the state.”
Sarma made the statement after the Opposition moved an adjournment motion in the Assembly to discuss the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death in Singapore on September 19. Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi had separately requested the motion.
The Chief Minister asked Speaker Biswajit Daimary to admit the motion and assured him that the government was “equally seized of the matter.”
He added that the Treasury benches would not participate in the debate but would present the government’s formal response. Sarma also urged the House to allow the introduction of important bills and supplementary grants listed on the agenda for the day.
Speaker Daimary allowed the adjournment motion and stated that the scheduled bills and grants would follow the discussion.
He cautioned members against making statements that could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Garg, 52, had died while swimming in the sea in Singapore. The Assam Police SIT continues to probe the circumstances surrounding his death.
Separately, a one-man commission led by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court has extended the deadline for submitting statements and evidence to December 12. The commission, which began work on November 3, has asked individuals with relevant information to submit notarized affidavits between 10:30 and 16:00 hours on working days.
Assam recently observed the singer’s 53rd birthday with emotional tributes across the state, reflecting the deep public sentiment as the investigation progresses.