The investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg has taken a dramatic turn with the recent filing of a chargesheet, revealing allegations of willful intoxication and delayed medical assistance. The chargesheet, submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police, names seven accused and outlines a disturbing sequence of events leading to the singer's death in Singapore on September 19, 2025.
According to the SIT's findings, Zubeen Garg was allegedly encouraged to consume excessive amounts of alcohol during a late-night gathering followed by a yacht outing. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asserted that individuals close to the singer deliberately intoxicated him to exploit him and misappropriate his wealth. The chargesheet alleges that on the instructions of Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen was made to consume alcohol throughout the night. It further states that Shyamkanu handed over the liquor bottle to Amritprabha Mahanta to give it to Zubeen.
Adding to the severity of the accusations, the chargesheet indicates that Zubeen Garg remained unconscious for approximately 75 minutes before any medical assistance was sought. An ambulance was reportedly arranged only after one and a half hours, despite the knowledge that he had drowned in the sea. The SIT alleges that there was a significant delay in ambulance response. Furthermore, the chargesheet highlights that Shyamkanu Mahanta showed gross negligence in ensuring security and medical care, which significantly contributed to the tragedy.
The seven accused in the case appeared virtually before the Kamrup Metropolitan Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. They have been charged with various offenses, including murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust. Northeast India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer's manager Siddhartha Sharma, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta have been booked under charges of murder. Zubeen's cousin and suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg, has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Two of the singer's personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, face charges of criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The next hearing is scheduled for December 22.
While early reports suggested a theory of poisoning, the official post-mortem report from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has confirmed that Zubeen Garg's death was not caused by poisoning. The forensic examination revealed no traces of poison or toxic substances in his viscera or other body fluids, effectively ruling out any toxicological interference. The report stated that the cause of death was attributed to drowning.
The case has triggered widespread public anguish and demands for a thorough and transparent investigation. Zubeen Garg's wife, Garima Garg, has welcomed the filing of the chargesheet and expressed faith in the judicial process, hoping that the guilty will be punished accordingly. The court is expected to take cognizance of the chargesheet and schedule further proceedings in the coming days.
