The Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has intensified its probe into the death of singer Zubeen Garg, issuing notices to individuals connected to the incident and conducting searches at the homes of those present during the tragedy. Meanwhile, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma has publicly addressed the case for the first time, saying he has “nothing to hide” and will cooperate with the investigation.
A senior CID official said notices have been served to all persons familiar with the events in Singapore that led to Garg’s death, directing them to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 10 days. “Investigation into Garg’s death is continuing. Today, we served notices to all persons familiar with the incidents leading to his death. They have to come and give their statements within 10 days,” the officer said.
The SIT, led by Special DGP M P Gupta, continued searches at the residence of Northeast Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta in Guwahati for the second consecutive day on Friday. Searches were also carried out earlier at the homes of Siddharth Sharma and musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, both of whom were with Garg in Singapore when he drowned during a yacht trip on 19 September. Members of the Assamese community in Singapore who were present during the incident have also come under the ambit of the probe.
The CID confirmed that statements from several artistes and others associated with the cultural field have been recorded. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that if the SIT’s findings are unsatisfactory, the state government will recommend a CBI inquiry.
Amid the ongoing investigation, Siddharth Sharma issued an open letter on social media stating that his silence was being misinterpreted. “I want to tell everyone that I have nothing to hide. I am not running away. As soon as there is an assurance of my safety and a fair opportunity to present the facts, I will come to Guwahati and place my side before the SIT and before the people,” he wrote.
Sharma said that after the incident, speculation and false accusations led to abuse and death threats against him, which prompted friends and family to advise him to remain in Delhi. “Crowds have gathered outside my home, police vehicles have been attacked, and I have received thousands of death threats,” he added.
Clarifying financial matters, Sharma said Zubeen Garg Music LLP was their only joint business venture, describing it as a transparent entity where Zubeen held 60 per cent ownership. He said he would ensure the balance is transferred to Garg’s family, and that royalties from Zubeen’s work would pass to his wife.
He further alleged that while he was being targeted, others were exploiting Garg’s name for personal gain. Sharma expressed support for the SIT probe and urged the public not to be swayed by rumours or incitement on social media. “We owe it to Zubeen’s memory to seek the truth calmly and with dignity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Assam Police has urged citizens to stay alert against misinformation, clarifying that claims circulating online about statewide internet shutdowns were false.
Also read | Shekhar Jyoti Goswami held for questioning in Zubeen Garg death case