Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that the state government will constitute a Judicial Commission to examine the circumstances that led to the death of legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who allegedly drowned after swimming during a yacht party in Singapore last month. Gauhati High Court judge, Justice Soumitra Saikia will head the Judicial Commission.

“Assam Government will constitute a Judicial Commission under Hon’ble Mr Justice Soumitra Saikia to examine the circumstances surrounding the demise of #BelovedZubeen,” Sarma posted on X along with a video message.

Zubeen, 52, was in Singapore to attend a cultural festival when he drowned after reportedly swimming during a yacht party on September 19.

The Singapore Police, in its first autopsy report, ruled out foul play, saying the death was accidental. But Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, challenged that version, pointing to serious lapses.

In the video message, Sarma said that he specially requested that the person heading the Commission should not be a retired judge, but a sitting one. His request was honoured, he said.

Thanking the high court for its decision, the Assam Chief Minister said, “To all those people who have been sharing various information on social media regarding Zubeen’s alleged murder, it is their responsibility now to submit affidavits before this judicial commission”.

He also called on Zubeen’s fans on social media, who have been gathering likes and followers, to coordinate with the commission.

“We will certainly be watching those who have spoken so much on Facebook and Instagram,” Sarma said.

THE PROBE SO FAR

The Assam government has already formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has been probing the case, following allegations levelled by the singer’s wife and fans claiming foul play in his death. So far, four people, including Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta.

Notably, Mahanta has approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the ongoing Assam Police probe.

In his petition, Mahanta claimed that he was being subjected to a “well-calculated witch-hunt,” alleging false narratives are being spread against him in the media.

He has also requested that the investigation be transferred from the SIT to a central agency such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved singers, was scheduled to perform at the festival in Singapore on September 19 following a scuba diving accident, just hours before he was to take the stage. The festival was later cancelled.

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