Guwahati, Assam: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family of the late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg on Friday, expressing his condolences and calling for a transparent investigation into the singer's recent death in Singapore. Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has released a statement indicating that preliminary investigations suggest no foul play.
Garg, 52, passed away on September 19, 2025, while swimming in the sea in Singapore. The news of his untimely death sent shockwaves across the country, leaving fans and the music fraternity in deep mourning.
During his visit to Garg's residence in Guwahati, Gandhi met with the singer's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and other family members, offering his support and sympathy. "I spoke to his family, and they said only one thing: we have lost our Zubeen, and all we want is that the truth should be clear," Gandhi told the media. He emphasized the need for a swift and transparent investigation by the Assam government to provide closure for the family and fans.
"It is the duty of the Assam government to transparently investigate and tell the family exactly what happened in Singapore," Gandhi stated. He added that the Congress party stands in solidarity with the Garg family and the people of Assam during this difficult time. Gandhi also paid tribute to Garg at the cremation site in Sonapur, offering a 'gamosa' and a wreath. He planted a 'Nahor' (Indian rose chestnut) sapling, Garg's favorite tree, at the cremation ground as a tribute.
In addition to the ongoing CID-SIT probe, the state government has established a one-man inquiry commission led by Gauhati High Court Justice Soumitra Saikia to further investigate Garg's death. A local court has remanded Garg's bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amrit Prava Mahanta to judicial custody until their next court appearance after their 14-day police custody ended on Friday. They were arrested on October 3, following intense questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department-Special Investigation Team (CID-SIT). So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force has stated that their "preliminary investigations do not suspect foul play". According to reports, the investigation may take another three months, after which the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore. The case is being investigated in accordance with Singapore's Coroners Act 2010.
The death certificate issued by Singaporean authorities indicates the cause of death as drowning. Following public demand, the Assam government ordered a second post-mortem examination. On October 1, 2025, Singaporean authorities provided a copy of the autopsy report and a report of their preliminary investigations to the High Commission of India.
Zubeen Garg was a highly influential musician, singer, composer, songwriter, instrumentalist, actor, director, filmmaker, poet, and philanthropist who worked primarily in the Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi language film and music industries. He was known for singing in multiple languages and was regarded as one of the most influential musicians in Assam.
Rahul Gandhi's visit underscores the widespread concern and demand for clarity surrounding the circumstances of Zubeen Garg's death. The coming months will be critical as investigations continue in both Singapore and Assam to determine the exact events leading to the passing of the beloved singer.
