Guwahati: The government of Assam has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assume responsibility for several FIRs related to the death of the esteemed singer Zubeen Garg. The FIRs, filed against festival organizer Syamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Sidharth Sarma, accuse them of negligence and mismanagement that contributed to the singer’s premature death in Singapore on September 19.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed this development on Saturday, indicating that all FIRs would be merged under the CID for an in-depth investigation. He also mentioned that he had communicated with Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, requesting a thorough inquiry into the events surrounding Garg’s death. The unfortunate incident transpired while Garg, aged 52, was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival. Reports suggest that he was taken on a yacht excursion by a local Assamese community.
During the outing, it is reported that Garg took off his oversized life jacket while swimming, which resulted in breathing difficulties and a seizure. Despite efforts at CPR and ICU care, he was pronounced dead at 5:20 PM Singapore time.
The announcement of Garg’s death has caused widespread shock in Assam, with fans and members of civil society expressing their anger over the alleged negligence of the organizers. The involvement of the CID is intended to guarantee a thorough investigation into the issue.
Currently, the autopsy has been completed in Singapore, and the process of repatriating Garg’s remains to India is in progress.
Further details are awaited…
