Guwahati, Sept 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the state government has formally requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore in connection with the death of music icon Zubeen Garg.
Taking to X, Sarma posted: “The government of Assam has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Home Affairs to invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore in connection with the unfortunate demise of our beloved Zubeen. Once invoked, this will ensure full cooperation from Singaporean authorities—giving us access to case details and assistance to bring back the accused and secure justice.”
MLAT is a mechanism whereby countries cooperate with one another to provide and obtain formal assistance in the prevention, suppression, investigation and prosecution of crime to ensure that the criminals do not escape or sabotage the due process of law for want of evidence available in different countries.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is the central authority of India for dealing with requests for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The (Internal Security-II (IS-II) Division handles this subject in the Ministry of Home Affairs. India has MLAT with 40 countries, including Singapore. India signed MLAT with Singapore in 2005.
Sarma said the next 2-3 days will be important in investigations.
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh confirmed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made significant progress in the case. “The evidence collected will be produced in court, but it cannot be disclosed publicly. Revealing it in public is not permissible by law,” Singh told reporters.
He added that one SIT team is currently in Delhi, while two officers will soon leave for Singapore. “We have an MLAT with Singapore. The necessary documents are being processed through the MHA, and the procedure has already started. International investigations involve multiple legal steps,” Singh explained.
The DGP urged the public to continue trusting the investigation: “For the last week, you have shown faith in Assam Police. Please maintain that faith—we will ensure a transparent and scientific investigation. Everyone should support the process.”
He also appealed for cooperation from the public: “If anyone has any information regarding the case, please share it with the SIT.”
 to invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore in connection with the death of music icon Zubeen Garg.){kind=link}