The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has stated that his former manager, Siddharth Sharma, allegedly killed him for financial gain. The SIT submitted to the Kamrup court on Saturday that Sharma invested ₹1.1 crore in a packaged drinking water plant, Mahabir Aqua Water Plant, using funds misappropriated from the singer. This investment is considered a key motive behind Garg's death in Singapore in September 2025.
According to SIT chief IO Rosie Kalita, Sharma's actions constituted a premeditated murder motivated by the desire to launder ill-gotten money. The SIT requested the court to "attach and forfeit" the water plant, arguing that Sharma and his business partner, Chetan Dhirasaria, might liquidate the assets if the order wasn't granted, which would nullify any future compensation rulings. Judge Gautam Baruah has issued notices to Sharma and Dhirasaria, requiring them to explain by January 17 why the unit should not be seized. The judge highlighted the SIT's submission that the invested amount was acquired through misappropriation of funds from Zubeen Garg, thus establishing a primary motive for the murder.
The court order noted that Sharma allegedly took show fees in cash to avoid depositing them into official accounts, facilitating "benami transactions and money laundering". Kalita stated that Sharma earned ₹57,000 monthly until November 2022. The SIT investigation revealed that Sharma allegedly laundered money through various individuals, depositing cash into his bank account to legitimize the funds.
Zubeen Garg traveled to Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival, where he died on September 19, 2025. While Singaporean authorities cited drowning as the cause of death, the Assam government established the SIT to investigate potential negligence or foul play. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated the case would be treated as a murder investigation.
The SIT's investigation involved raids on Sharma's residence and the residence of Northeast India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta. Sharma and Mahanta were arrested in connection with Garg's death. Protests erupted in Guwahati, with clashes between protesters and police outside Sharma's residence.
Following Garg's death, allegations of financial mismanagement surfaced. Singer Satabdi Bora, a longtime associate of Garg, accused Sharma of failing to account for a significant portion of the singer's earnings. Bora claimed that Garg was stressed about his finances despite earning substantial amounts from shows and projects. Garg's friend, Bankim Roy Medhi, also raised concerns about possible negligence surrounding the singer's death.
Sharma has previously denied allegations of exploiting Zubeen Garg's trust or finances. He stated that royalties were directly credited to Garg's account and would legally pass to his wife. Sharma also mentioned that Garg owned 60% of Zubeen Garg Music LLP and that he would ensure Garg's family inherits this stake.
The chargesheet in the case is extensive, comprising over 3,500 pages with additional evidence, including digital records. Besides Sharma, others charged include Shyamkanu Mahanta, band member Sekhar Jyoti Goswami, co-singer Amritprabha Mahanta, Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg, and security personnel Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
