Guwahati, Oct 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that members of the Assam Society in Singapore have confirmed their participation in the ongoing investigation in Assam into the mysterious death of singer Zubeen Garg.
Addressing reporters, Sarma said, “Since no country allows foreign police to directly conduct investigations on its soil, Singapore authorities will share the findings they collect with India as per the treaty. Rupkamal Kalita will appear before the CID tomorrow. Along with him, nine other Assamese individuals linked to the case are expected to join the probe.”
The deadline set by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the appearance of Singapore-based Assamese individuals connected to the case expired today. The Chief Minister reiterated that cooperation from the Assamese community in Singapore is crucial to ensure progress in the investigation.
“Local communities must urge them to cooperate; otherwise, the probe will keep going in circles,” he had cautioned.
Expressing optimism, Sarma said, “I am confident that everyone from Singapore involved will join the investigation soon. Our main goal is to ascertain exactly what happened to Zubeen Garg and how he passed away. Some individuals have claimed that Singapore police are preventing them from travelling to India, or that their jobs might be at risk if they come for questioning.”
The Chief Minister added that efforts are underway to encourage cooperation. “While the process may take time, we are gradually motivating them to cooperate and are confident of their participation,” he said.
Clarifying on reports of an FIR filed against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sarma remarked, “Scindia had no connection with Zubeen Garg, never visited Singapore, and didn’t know him personally — yet an FIR was filed against him. Some elements are trying to disturb the situation.”
He further noted that two groups have emerged — one comprising genuine fans of Zubeen Garg, and another seeking to exploit the issue politically. “Even some people who had never heard Zubeen Garg’s songs are now suddenly calling themselves his fans. One even suggested that Garima Garg should contest from the Jalukbari constituency,” Sarma said.
On the postmortem report, the Chief Minister clarified that it cannot be made public. “The report will be submitted to the court, and anyone seeking access may apply through legal procedures,” he stated.
Sarma also said the government has asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to verify the documentation of Shyam Kanu Mahanta. “At some point, we may require assistance from a central agency, and I believe they can support us in this process,” he added.