The Assam Police are set to issue fresh summons to 10 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore last month. This action comes after the NRIs failed to appear before the investigating agency by the initial deadline of October 6.

A total of 11 NRIs, all associated with the Assam Association of Singapore, were initially summoned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). These individuals were present at a yacht party with Zubeen Garg on September 19, the day before he tragically died while swimming in the sea. They are considered key witnesses in determining the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to CID sources, the initial summons were served to eight NRIs through the Indian High Commission in Singapore, with assistance from Singapore police. Subsequently, three additional summons were issued, requiring all 11 individuals to participate in the investigation by October 6.

Despite these efforts, only one NRI, Rup Kamal Kalita, complied with the summons and appeared before the SIT for questioning on Tuesday. He was questioned for approximately six hours, and his statement was recorded. He will also be required to provide his statement before a magistrate, in accordance with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions.

Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, stated that the government has sought cooperation from Singaporean authorities under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), which facilitates the exchange of evidence between the two countries. Sarma expressed hope that the other NRIs would follow suit. He noted that some had cited various reasons for their inability to appear, including restrictions imposed by Singapore police and concerns about potential job repercussions.

Among the 11 NRIs who have been summoned are Tanmoy Phukan, an acquaintance of Zubeen Garg who allegedly organized the yacht party, and key members of the Assam Association of Singapore, including its President, Abhimanyu Talukdar, and General Secretary, Debjyoti Hazarika. Others include Siddartha Bora, Parikshit Sarma, Bajid Ahmed, Bhaskar Dutta, Pritam Bhuyan, G Narzary, and Sushmita Goswami. Many of them are employed by well-known companies in Singapore, while others operate their own businesses.

The investigation has already led to several arrests. Zubeen Garg's cousin, Sandipan Garg, who is also an Assam Police DSP, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the singer's death. He has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. Furthermore, North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer's manager Siddharth Sharma, and his two band members, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta, have also been apprehended.

The Assam Police's renewed efforts to summon the remaining NRIs underscore the importance of their testimonies in uncovering the truth behind Zubeen Garg's untimely death. The police are determined to proceed with the investigation and follow all necessary legal processes.