What Happened
Zubeen Garg, the beloved singer from Assam, died on 19 September 2025 in Singapore. Initial reports said the cause was drowning during water activity linked to a festival trip. People.com+3Wikipedia+3The New Indian Express+3
He was in Singapore to perform at, or was associated with, the North East India Festival (NEIF). The New Indian Express+2People.com+2
Investigation Beginnings
After his death, many FIRs (First Information Reports) were filed across Assam—over 50 FIRs in different police stations—alleging various wrongdoings: negligence, conspiracy, failure to provide safety measures, etc. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
The government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Assam CID, with Special DGP M.P. Gupta spearheading the probe. www.ndtv.com+2The Times of India+2
A second autopsy was ordered in Assam (at GMCH, with experts including from AIIMS) to address concerns and rule out foul play. The Times of India+2www.ndtv.com+2
Key Arrests & Charges
On or about 1 October 2025, two important figures were arrested:
Siddharth (or Siddhartha) Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s long-time manager. The New Indian Express+2Outlook India+2
Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser of the festival event associated with Garg’s trip. The New Indian Express+2Outlook India+2
Both were remanded to 14 days’ police custody by Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate. Due to Durga Puja holidays, the hearing was at the judge’s residence. The Economic Times+2The New Indian Express+2
Initial charges included culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. The Week+2The Times of India+2
New Escalation: Murder Charge
The major escalation: Assam Police have now added murder charges in the FIR against Sharma and Mahanta. This marks a shift from negligence/culpable homicide to a more serious allegation implying intent or severe recklessness. The Times of India
Additional Dimensions
Mutual Legal Assistance: Assam government invoked the MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty) with Singapore to fetch evidence, autopsy reports, possibly surveillance or medical records. This shows the cross-border nature of the investigation. The Times of India+2The Economic Times+2
Financial angle: Besides allegations about death, there is a simultaneous probe into Mahanta’s financial dealings. Documents seized from his residence include multiple PAN cards, stamp seals, properties, benami properties, and possible money laundering accusations. The Economic Times
What’s Still Unclear / Under Probe
Exact circumstances of Zubeen’s final moments:
Was he wearing a life jacket? Who allowed or disallowed what safety gear? The Times of India+2The Sentinel+2
Did he have any medical condition that contributed (e.g., seizures, medication)? His wife has raised that he was on medication. The Times of India
Timeline of events the night before his death:
Details of the party or yacht outing (who organised, who was present) on 18 September are under scrutiny. The Sentinel+2The New Indian Express+2
Phone, documents, medicine bags from manager were seized; forensic labs are analyzing these. The Sentinel+1
Why the charge was upgraded to murder:
Murder implies either intention or knowledge of likely harm. It’s not yet clear what evidence justified this upgrade (e.g. negligence so egregious as to be considered homicide). The public statements haven’t clarified whether intent or gross negligence is being alleged.
Role of other accused:
Other people (like Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and others) have been summoned, detained, or questioned. Their involvement and what they witnessed are part of building the full case. The Times of India+2India TV News+2
Legal Implications & What This Means
Legal charges under Indian law: Moving from culpable homicide (lesser degree) to murder (more severe) greatly increases potential penalty, seriousness, and burden of proof.
International cooperation: MLAT with Singapore and forensic cooperation are crucial, since part of the incident (including medical and autopsy reports) is located in Singapore.
Public pressure and accountability: The massive protests, demands from fans, political statements, and media scrutiny are pushing law enforcement to be transparent. In Assam, people have demanded judicial commission, full disclosure. Pratidin+1
Potential for central investigation: Assam CM has said that if state SIT is unsatisfactory, the case might be handed to the CBI. India Today+1
What to Watch Next
Release of more forensic and autopsy reports: results from tests on the mobile phone, medicine, viscera, etc. will be key.
Court hearings related to the murder charge: whether prosecutors can demonstrate intent or gross negligence sufficient to sustain a murder charge.
Statements or deposition of key people present the night before — witnesses from the yacht party, organizers, staff.
Any video evidence, medical records, or communications (texts, calls) that show what happened in those final hours.
Response by legal experts on whether the evidence meets the threshold for murder under Indian Penal Code / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (as applicable).
Reaction from public, civil society: whether demands for independent judicial commission get traction.
