New Arrests Deepen Investigation
GUWAHATI — Assam Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested singer Zubeen Garg’s bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta, marking a major escalation in the investigation into his death.
With these arrests, the total number of accused in the case has risen to four. Earlier this week, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma and event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta were also detained and produced in court.
Sources say Goswami and Mahanta were present with Garg at a yacht party on September 19, during which the singer went for a swim and was later found floating in the water.
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Evidence Against New Accused
Investigators allege that in video footage, Goswami was seen swimming close to Garg, while Mahanta recorded events on her mobile phone.
The SIT added murder charges under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the FIR against Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta.
SIT head Munna Gupta (Special DGP, Assam CID) has publicly stated that probing Goswami and Mahanta was necessary after some preliminary evidence surfaced.
Additionally, Singapore authorities have shared the autopsy report with Indian agencies. Assam’s CID is expanding its investigation, including cross-border cooperation.
Earlier Arrests and Escalating Charges
On October 1, Assam Police detained Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta—both had been absconding since the singer’s death.
In court, they have been remanded to 14-day SIT custody.
Authorities upgraded charges in the FIR to include murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and negligence leading to death.
As the probe deepens, over 55 FIRs have been filed across Assam in connection with the singer’s death. A second postmortem in Guwahati is underway to validate findings.
Cross-Border Collaboration Underway
Singapore’s police have officially shared the autopsy report with Indian agencies, confirming close cooperation in the high-profile case.
To further strengthen the probe, the Assam Government has requested Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) from Singapore to enable evidence gathering abroad.
The coordinating roles of Indian and Singaporean authorities are vital as investigators parse forensic, medical, and digital data to uncover possible foul play.
Emotional Fallout & Legal Pressure
In Assam, public sentiment remains deeply shaken. Durga Puja celebrations in the state have adopted a more somber tone in memory of the singer.
Zubeen Garg wife, Garima Garg, expressed faith in the legal process, stating the family wants clarity on what transpired that day.
As more arrests unfold and investigations intensify, pressure is mounting on the authorities to deliver answers and justice.
Outlook & Challenges Ahead
The arrests of Goswami and Mahanta bring the investigation closer to the core circle of those present at the time of Garg’s death. However, legal experts caution that securing convictions will require conclusive forensic evidence and testimony, not just suspicions.
Time is also a factor. As days pass, digital and physical evidence may degrade or be contested in court. The interplay of Indian and Singaporean jurisdictions adds complexity to evidence gathering.
If the SIT successfully ties the accused to wrongdoing, this case could become a landmark in how high-profile deaths abroad are investigated by Indian agencies.