Published on: October 18, 2025 | 7:52 PM IST

Guwahati — The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police has completed all formal preparations for its upcoming visit to Singapore in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death of renowned singer, composer, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The visit, scheduled to begin on Monday, marks a critical phase in the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Garg’s tragic death last month.

A senior official confirmed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under the CID will travel to Singapore to gather further evidence, coordinate with the Singaporean authorities, and record additional statements pertinent to the case. The SIT, led by Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Munna Prasad Gupta, is tasked with ensuring that all aspects of the investigation are thoroughly examined before the submission of the final report to the court within the stipulated time frame.

“The investigation is progressing in the right direction. Statements are being recorded and necessary leads are being followed up. The team is working round the clock to ensure that justice is served,” said Special DGP Gupta while addressing the media in Guwahati on Saturday. He reiterated that the SIT remains fully committed to submitting its findings within the court’s deadline, adding that the charge sheet would be filed within 90 days as mandated by law.

When asked about the logistics and purpose of the Singapore visit, Gupta stated that the team was “fully prepared” and that the visit would take place in coordination with Singaporean authorities. “We are ready for the visit and will proceed as per the schedule finalised with the Singapore authorities. Our objective is to take the investigation forward and ensure all necessary evidence is collected directly from the location of the incident,” he said.

The SIT’s probe centers on the events of September 19, when Zubeen Garg drowned while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had travelled to participate in the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). His untimely death sent shockwaves across Assam and the wider Indian entertainment industry, prompting widespread calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.

On Saturday, the SIT recorded the statements of several individuals closely associated with Garg, including Hitesh Baruah, the physician who last treated the singer, and musician Diganta Bharati. Speaking to reporters after his deposition, Dr. Baruah made several significant remarks about Garg’s health condition, revealing that the late singer had a known history of epilepsy. “All of us close to Zubeen were aware of his medical condition. We knew he needed to be kept away from both fire and water,” Dr. Baruah said.

He added that taking Garg to a foreign location and subsequently allowing him to swim was a “serious lapse in judgment” on the part of those accompanying him. “Taking him to the sea and letting him swim was a major mistake. It could have been avoided if proper precautions were taken,” he stated, implying that the fatal incident might have been preventable.

Zubeen Garg’s presence at the North East India Festival in Singapore was intended to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region. The festival, now in its fourth edition, serves as a platform to showcase the art, music, and tourism potential of North East India to a global audience. However, the tragedy that occurred during the event turned what was meant to be a celebration of cultural unity into a deeply mournful episode for millions of his fans across the world.

In the aftermath of his death, the Assam government constituted a high-level SIT to conduct a detailed investigation. The SIT has since made seven arrests in connection with the case, including several individuals from Garg’s professional and personal circles. Those arrested include North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and Assam Police officer Sandipan, band members Sekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, and his two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya.

All seven accused are currently lodged in judicial custody after their police remand ended earlier this week. The arrests were made based on preliminary findings suggesting lapses and negligence in ensuring Garg’s safety during the trip. According to sources within the CID, investigators are also exploring the possibility of criminal negligence and failure to provide adequate medical and personal care.

The upcoming Singapore visit by the SIT is expected to play a crucial role in corroborating evidence collected in India. The team is likely to meet with Singaporean law enforcement officials, examine official reports from the local authorities who handled the case, and possibly revisit the site of the incident. Officials indicated that the team would also seek to obtain authenticated copies of Garg’s post-mortem report and forensic findings from Singapore’s authorities, which are essential to determining the exact cause and circumstances of his death.

Meanwhile, fans and cultural organizations across Assam continue to express grief and demand transparency in the investigation. Garg, who was often described as the “voice of Assam,” enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades and was widely celebrated for his contribution to Assamese and Indian music. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the state’s cultural landscape.

As the SIT prepares to leave for Singapore, officials emphasized that every possible angle — including medical, criminal, and procedural — will be scrutinized. “This case is not just about finding out how he died, but about ensuring accountability and truth,” an officer familiar with the investigation said.

With the deadline for filing the charge sheet drawing nearer, the CID’s visit to Singapore is expected to bring much-needed clarity to one of the most high-profile investigations in recent times. For the people of Assam and fans worldwide, the hope remains that the truth behind Zubeen Garg’s tragic death will soon come to light, offering both justice and closure to the artist’s family and admirers.