Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says Assam Police conducted a superior probe into Zubeen Garg’s death compared to Singapore authorities, leading to murder charges, arrests, and denial of bail to the accused.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday asserted that the investigation carried out by the Assam Police into the death of iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was more effective and thorough than the probe conducted by Singapore authorities. The Chief Minister stated that the success of the state police was evident in the fact that those responsible for the singer’s death were arrested and jailed, while foreign investigators failed to establish foul play.
Reacting strongly to recent developments in the case, CM Sarma said that the Singapore Police were unable to detect any criminal involvement in Garg’s death, whereas the Assam Police pursued the case diligently and ultimately invoked murder charges against four individuals. According to the Chief Minister, these accused individuals remain in judicial custody and have been denied bail, underscoring the strength of the evidence gathered by the state investigation team.
“The Singapore Police could not find any foul play in the demise of Zubeen Garg, but our investigation led to murder charges against four people who plotted a conspiracy against our beloved cultural icon,” Sarma said. “They are behind bars and unable to secure bail. This reflects the success and professionalism of the Assam Police, whose probe was clearly superior.”
CM Sarma further urged the public to acknowledge and appreciate the Assam government’s efforts, stating that a “perfect and disciplined investigation” was carried out into the untimely death of one of Assam’s most celebrated artists. He emphasized that Garg was not just a singer but a cultural symbol whose legacy demanded justice and accountability.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to recent submissions made by Singapore Police before a court, where investigators concluded that Zubeen Garg had been severely intoxicated shortly before the incident that led to his drowning. According to the Singapore investigation, Garg was on board a yacht when the tragic incident occurred.
Witness testimonies presented in court revealed that Garg had been consuming alcohol while on the yacht. One witness claimed that the singer drank several cups of liquor, including gin and whisky, and also took sips of Guinness Stout. The investigating officer told the court that Garg had initially gone for a swim, returned to the yacht stating that he was tired, and then re-entered the water a few minutes later.
The inquiry also examined Garg’s medical history in detail. The court was informed that the singer had a known history of hypertension and epilepsy. His last reported epileptic episode was recorded in 2024. Forensic analysis detected medication for both conditions in his blood samples.
However, investigators stated that it could not be conclusively determined whether Garg had taken his epilepsy medication on the day of the incident, as eyewitness accounts on this matter were inconsistent. A forensic pathologist testified that there were no physical indicators, such as a bitten tongue, that could confirm whether Garg had suffered an epileptic seizure before entering the water.
The captain of the yacht, named Crazy Monkey, also testified before the court. He stated that Garg had to be physically supported by two friends while boarding the vessel, as he was unable to walk properly. The captain added that some passengers had begun consuming alcohol even before boarding and that he conducted two safety briefings during the journey.
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In his testimony, the captain said that when he noticed Garg entering the water for the second time without wearing a life jacket, he warned one of Garg’s friends that the singer appeared intoxicated and should not enter the water without proper safety equipment. He further stated that upon seeing Garg floating face-down in the water, he immediately jumped in and attempted a rescue.
Singapore Police informed the court that witness statements indicated Garg entered the water voluntarily and displayed no signs of suicidal intent. Despite these findings, Assam authorities maintained that critical gaps remained in the foreign investigation, prompting the state police to pursue a parallel and deeper probe.
CM Sarma reiterated that the Assam Police acted with sensitivity, precision, and determination to ensure justice for Zubeen Garg, concluding that the case stands as a testament to the capability of the state’s law enforcement agencies.
