Over 10 days have passed since the tragic death of Zubeen Garg, a famous singer from Assam. He died in Singapore on September 19 during the North East India Festival, an event that celebrates the culture of Northeast India. His passing has raised serious questions about safety at cultural gatherings, and the investigation into Zubeen garg death has now taken a new turn.
Assam Police recently made key arrests. On Wednesday, they detained two people closely linked to the case: Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of the festival, and Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen’s manager. Police brought both men back to Guwahati after arresting them in Delhi and Gurugram.
On October 6, the Assam CID summoned Mahanta and Sharma for questioning. Since they had not returned to Assam after Zubeen’s death, investigators arrested them at different locations. Officers held Mahanta at Delhi airport after he flew in from Singapore, while another team caught Sharma in Gurugram.
Zubeen, aged 52, reportedly fainted while swimming during a boat trip. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital declared him dead on arrival. Singapore authorities later issued a death certificate that listed “drowning” as the cause of death.
Witnesses confirmed that both Mahanta and Sharma were present during the boat trip. Many people have accused them of negligence and mismanagement that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The Assam CID has now registered a consolidated case against Mahanta, Sharma, and others. Prosecutors charged them under the Indian Penal Code with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and causing death by negligence.
Mahanta and Sharma claimed they delayed their return to Assam because they feared for their safety. Their statements came during a time of strong public anger across Assam, where people demand accountability and transparency.
The Indian Home Ministry also intervened. Officials contacted the Singapore government under the mutual legal assistance treaty and sought cooperation in the case. This step highlights the seriousness of the probe and shows that investigators plan to go beyond state borders.
The North East India Festival, where Zubeen died, plays an important role in showcasing the art and culture of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states. Music lovers compare its importance to Gurbani competitions in Punjab, which also blend tradition and performance.
The arrests of Mahanta and Sharma raise bigger questions about event management and safety at cultural festivals in India. The CID’s involvement shows that authorities now focus more on accountability. Organisers must ensure that participants and artists stay safe during these events.
People across Assam and beyond are closely following the case. They hope the probe will deliver justice to Zubeen’s family and also push for stronger safety rules. Communities expect future events to include better planning and more care to prevent such tragedies.
In conclusion, the arrests of Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma mark only the beginning of the investigation into Zubeen garg death. A transparent and complete inquiry must provide answers, set higher safety standards, and honour the legacy of an artist whose music touched millions.
