Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Akhil Gogoi for politicising Zubeen Garg’s death, calls demand for central probe ‘political noise’

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, accusing him of exploiting the tragic death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg for political mileage. Addressing reporters in Guwahati on October 6, 2025, Sarma said Gogoi’s sudden outpouring of grief and demand for a central investigation were not acts of genuine admiration but a calculated attempt to stir anti-government sentiment.

“We have never seen Akhil Gogoi as a fan of Zubeen Garg. Has anyone ever seen him post about Zubeen’s songs or attend any of his events? This is nothing but politics — and doing politics with a dead person is awful,” Sarma said, adding that Gogoi’s actions were “despicable” and would “boomerang” on him.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved musicians, died under mysterious circumstances on September 19 while swimming off Singapore’s Lazarus Island during a yacht outing organised as part of the Northeast India Festival. His death triggered an outpouring of grief across Assam and the Northeast, with fans and cultural bodies demanding clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Zubeen Garg’s Death – Timeline of Events and Political Fallout

Sarma also drew parallels between Gogoi and event manager Shyamkanu Mahanta, both of whom have publicly demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). “Both their demands are the same — a CBI and NIA inquiry. But these demands are not about justice; they are about creating political noise,” Sarma remarked.

The Chief Minister further criticised social media narratives, alleging that two distinct groups have emerged online. “One group consists of Zubeen’s genuine fans who are mourning his loss, while the other is trying to pull down the BJP in his name. Many among them have never even listened to his songs,” he said.

Political Reactions to Zubeen Garg’s Death – Stakeholder Positions

The Assam CID has already arrested four individuals in connection with the case, including Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. The arrests followed allegations of negligence and possible foul play during the Singapore trip.

Sarma confirmed that one of the eight Singapore-based Assamese individuals who were present during the yacht outing has agreed to depose before the CID. “Rupkamal Kalita contacted the CID on Monday, but seven others are yet to respond. Some cited job risks, others claimed Singapore Police advised against travel,” Sarma said.

Singapore Witnesses – Status of Cooperation with Assam CID

The Chief Minister clarified that Assam Police would not travel to Singapore, citing the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) as the framework for cross-border cooperation. “The police of one country cannot conduct a probe on the soil of another. Our request for legal assistance is pending with Singapore,” Sarma explained.

Meanwhile, Gogoi has alleged that Sarma maintains close ties with Mahanta’s extended family, raising questions about the impartiality of the state-led investigation. Sarma dismissed the claims as “baseless” and reiterated that the SIT would complete its probe based on facts, not political pressure.

Assam CID Investigation – Key Developments

Social media platforms have seen intense debate over the political handling of Zubeen Garg’s death, with hashtags like #JusticeForZubeen, #NoPoliticsOnZubeen, and #AssamCIDProbe trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. While fans continue to mourn the loss of the cultural icon, many have expressed discomfort over the politicisation of the tragedy.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Zubeen Garg’s Death

In conclusion, Himanta Biswa Sarma’s sharp rebuke of Akhil Gogoi has intensified the political fault lines surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death. As the CID probe continues and demands for a central investigation grow louder, Assam finds itself at the intersection of grief, governance, and political theatre. Whether the truth behind Garg’s death emerges through state mechanisms or central intervention, the public’s demand remains clear: justice without politics.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified investigation updates, and media reports. It does not constitute legal advice or political endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from the Assam CID and official government sources for accurate information.