In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, Delhi Police have arrested festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen’s long-time manager Siddhartha Sharma.
The duo was brought to Guwahati in Assam early on Oct 1 and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, which remanded them to 14-day judicial custody under the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
According to officials, Mr Mahanta was apprehended at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after returning from Singapore, where he had allegedly been hiding since lookout notices were issued. Mr Sharma was arrested from a Gurugram apartment.
The arrests come amid intense public outrage and calls for justice following Zubeen’s death on Sept 19 in Singapore, where he drowned while swimming without a life jacket during a yacht outing.
Assam Director-General of Police Harmeet Singh confirmed that the investigation, led jointly by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and SIT, is progressing “in a transparent and professional manner” under the chief minister’s directive.
“One SIT/CID team is already in Delhi, and another will head to Singapore. The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) process (with Singapore) is underway. We appeal to the people of Assam to have faith – within seven days, the probe will reach a logical conclusion,” Mr Singh assured.
A 10-member SIT headed by Special DGP M.P. Gupta is investigating charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and negligence.
On Oct 1, a spokesman for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) told The Straits Times that they have extended a copy of the autopsy report, along with its preliminary findings on Zubeen’s death, to the High Commission of India in Singapore, upon its request.
SPF had earlier ruled out foul play.
Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has alleged foul play, saying negligence by the organisers and the management team led to his death.
“Whoever was present at the scene is under suspicion – organisers, managers, team members. We filed an FIR. We have full faith in our legal system and have requested a fast-track investigation,” she told NDTV.
She claimed her husband was on medication for seizures and should not have been allowed to swim. Videos showing Zubeen appearing fatigued in the water have intensified public anger.
Zubeen was in Singapore as a cultural ambassador for the North East India Festival, scheduled for Sept 20-21. The event was organised by Trend MMS, a company headed by Mr Mahanta. Following Zubeen’s death, multiple police complaints were filed in Assam, accusing Mr Mahanta and Mr Sharma of gross negligence.
Mr Mahanta, a well-known organiser behind festivals like Rongali and the North East Festival, hails from an influential family – his brothers include former Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta and Gauhati University vice-chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta.
Opposition parties have accused the state government of “shielding” him, a charge Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied.
Mr Sarma warned both accused to appear before the CID by Oct 6, saying: “They must come forward and cooperate. If not, people should not vote for us in 2026 – justice for Zubeen is our priority.”
The state has blacklisted Mr Mahanta from receiving any government sponsorships or grants.
India has formally invoked the MLAT with Singapore to ensure full cooperation from Singaporean authorities. Two Assam Police officers are already in Singapore to liaise with local agencies and gather evidence, reported the Times of India.
“MLAT will give us access to case details and ensure accountability abroad,” Mr Sarma said.
The SIT has already questioned several individuals present in Singapore, including musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, actress Nishita Goswami, and TV channel owner Sanjive Narain.
Zubin’s death has shaken Assam, where he was revered as a cultural icon. Thousands attended his final rites in Guwahati and Jorhat, where a memorial is planned. His ashes will remain in Jorhat until Oct 4 for public tributes.
“He grew up here, began his musical journey here. Even in death, he must rest with his people,” Mrs Garima said.
Fans, demanding justice, have held vigils and protests across the state. Earlier, mobs attacked Mr Sharma’s Guwahati residence, prompting police deployment.
While the Singapore death certificate cites drowning, family and fans question whether adequate safety measures were taken and whether Zubin, who suffered past seizures, was medically fit to swim.
The SIT aims to establish if criminal negligence or mismanagement played a role.
Authorities are also probing alleged financial irregularities linked to Mr Mahanta’s company. A separate CID case has been filed for money laundering and forgery based on documents seized during raids.
As investigations deepen, Zubeen’s death – once seen as a tragic accident – now appears to be a complex case intertwining negligence, accountability, and justice for one of Assam’s most beloved voices.
Zubeen (1972–2025) was a multi-talented singer, composer, and actor best known for hits like Ya Ali and Maya. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in Assam’s cultural landscape.
