Judicial commission led by Justice Soumitra Saikia to probe Zubeen Garg’s death amid mounting public pressure and CID arrests

In a major development following the mysterious death of celebrated Assamese singer, composer, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, the Assam government has constituted a judicial commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding his demise. The commission, chaired by sitting Gauhati High Court judge Justice Soumitra Saikia, was formally announced on October 4, 2025, and is expected to submit its report within six months.

Zubeen Garg, 52, died on September 19 while swimming in the sea off Singapore, where he had travelled to perform at the fourth edition of the North East India Festival. His sudden death triggered widespread grief and suspicion across Assam and the Northeast, with fans, civil society groups, and political leaders demanding a transparent and independent probe.

Judicial Commission on Zubeen Garg’s Death – Key Mandate

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the public via Facebook Live, stated, “This commission will have full autonomy. Anyone who has shared content, videos, or claims on social media must now come forward and submit affidavits. Justice will be served, and no stone will be left unturned.”

The commission’s formation follows a series of arrests by the Assam CID, which is conducting a parallel criminal investigation. So far, four individuals have been taken into custody, including Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma, festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, drummer Shekharjyoti Goswami, and co-singer Amritprabha Mahanta. All have been remanded to 14 days of police custody.

Zubeen Garg Death Case – Arrests and Charges

The CID has added murder charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following interrogation and evidence collection. Mahanta, who was arrested at Delhi airport, is also facing scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) Department for alleged financial irregularities linked to his event management firm.

According to CID sources, raids conducted on September 25–26 at Mahanta’s residence yielded multiple PAN cards, 30+ stamps linked to government departments, and documents pointing to benami properties and loan fraud dating back to his tenure at NEDFi. Investigators believe Mahanta facilitated ₹14 crore in loans to a shell company for call centres that were never built.

Financial Irregularities Linked to Mahanta – CID Findings

The judicial commission will also examine whether any lapses occurred in the organisation of the Singapore event, including safety protocols, medical preparedness, and accountability of the host team. Zubeen reportedly suffered a seizure while swimming without a life jacket during a yacht trip organised by Assamese NRIs.

His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has recorded her statement in court and demanded a thorough probe. She was handed the Singapore post-mortem report on October 2, which listed drowning as the cause of death. A second autopsy was conducted at Gauhati Medical College on September 23, and its findings will be shared with her and the commission.

Timeline of Events – Zubeen Garg’s Final Days

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam government is also questioning members of the Singapore Assam Association and other attendees present during the incident. CM Sarma warned that failure to cooperate could lead to legal action.

Meanwhile, public sentiment continues to surge across Assam, with candlelight vigils, tribute concerts, and social media campaigns demanding justice for Zubeen. Hashtags like #JusticeForZubeen, #ZubeenGargDeathProbe, and #AssamDemandsTruth have trended consistently since mid-September.

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

Zubeen Garg’s legacy as a cultural icon, poet, actor, and activist has made his death a matter of public conscience. His contributions to Assamese music and cinema, his outspoken views on social issues, and his pan-Northeast appeal have left a void that fans say must be honoured with truth and accountability.

The judicial commission’s findings will be critical in determining whether Zubeen’s death was a tragic accident or the result of criminal negligence and conspiracy. Justice Soumitra Saikia’s inquiry is expected to include testimonies from over 100 individuals, including organisers, band members, festival attendees, and medical experts.

Expected Scope of Judicial Inquiry – Zubeen Garg Case

In conclusion, the constitution of a judicial commission to probe Zubeen Garg’s death marks a decisive step toward transparency and justice. As Assam mourns the loss of one of its most beloved voices, the state’s institutions now bear the responsibility of uncovering the truth. The coming months will be crucial in shaping public trust and ensuring that Zubeen’s legacy is honoured not just in song, but in justice.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified media reports, and official legal briefings. It does not constitute legal advice or prediction of judicial outcomes. All quotes are attributed to public sources and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official updates from the Assam government and Gauhati High Court for verified information.