Fifth Arrest Made in Zubeen Garg Death Case; Police Officer and Relative Held
CID arrests Zubeen Garg’s kin and police officer; central agencies likely to join probe
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday arrested Sandipan, a police officer and close relative of the late Zubeen Garg, in connection with the singer’s death in Singapore last month. This marks the fifth arrest in the ongoing high-profile investigation.
Sandipan, the son of Garg’s paternal uncle, had accompanied the renowned 52-year-old singer, composer, and filmmaker to Singapore, where Garg tragically died while swimming in the sea on September 19. According to sources, he was present at the scene during the incident. After four days of questioning, CID officials decided to place him under arrest.
“Sandipan was arrested following sustained interrogation. As the investigation is still active, we cannot disclose further details at this time,” said MP Gupta, Special DGP (CID) and head of the 10-member SIT probing the case. Sandipan is being presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Kamrup (Metropolitan), and the CID is seeking police custody for further interrogation.
Earlier, the CID had arrested four others in connection with the case: Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser of the North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore that Garg was attending; Siddharth Sharma, the singer’s manager; Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a bandmate; and singer Amritprava Mahanta. All four are currently in CID custody.
The case, initially registered under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and death due to negligence, took a more serious turn after fresh revelations during interrogations led to the addition of a murder charge.
Garg’s death occurred during a yacht party organised by a group of Assamese NRIs in Singapore, raising suspicions due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Additionally, the CID has launched a separate investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving Shyamkanu Mahanta. During a raid on his Guwahati residence, officials recovered several official seals and incriminating documents.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed earlier this week that central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (IT) Department, may get involved. ED is expected to carry out searches at Mahanta’s residence and office in Guwahati.