Guwahati, September 20: The Assam government has announced a thorough probe into the death of celebrated singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on Friday while scuba diving. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state has taken serious note of multiple FIRs filed across Assam, alleging foul play behind the untimely demise of the 52-year-old artist.
The Chief Minister has directed Assam DGP Harmeet Singh to transfer all FIRs to the CID and register a consolidated case for investigation. “Assam Police will probe the death of Zubeen Garg, and those present with him in his last moments will be interrogated,” Sarma told reporters. He also said reports suggesting the singer attended a party the night before his death are being verified.
Sarma further confirmed that he had spoken to Singapore’s High Commissioner in India, Simon Wong, and requested a detailed inquiry into the circumstances of Garg’s death. Singaporean authorities have also initiated their own investigation.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning from September 20 to 22. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, in an official statement, said all official entertainment and ceremonial functions will remain suspended during this period, while service-oriented activities like health camps and plantation drives will continue.
Expressing grief, the state government hailed Zubeen Garg as an “eminent singer, filmmaker, and cultural icon” whose contributions to Assam’s music and culture remain unparalleled. Students, fans, and admirers across the state paid tearful tributes to the artist, whose sudden demise has left a deep void in Assam’s cultural landscape.
