The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam police to investigate the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has been actively pursuing the case, questioning individuals and conducting searches.

Questioning of Drummer and Search Operations

As part of the investigation, the SIT questioned Shekharjyoti Goswami, Zubeen Garg's drummer, at his Guwahati residence. Goswami was reportedly present when Garg drowned in Singapore. Simultaneously, search operations were carried out at multiple locations, including the residences of Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore where Garg was scheduled to perform, and Siddhartha Sarma, Garg's manager.

During the search of Sharma's apartment in the Dhirenpara area, the SIT team found it locked. Officials proceeded to break the lock in the presence of a magistrate and conducted the search operation. Reports indicate that a laptop and other documents were seized from Sharma's home.

Public Reaction and Protests

The investigation has been met with significant public interest and, at times, unrest. A crowd gathered outside Siddhartha Sarma's apartment during the search, and some individuals resorted to throwing stones at police vehicles. Law enforcement responded by using batons to disperse the protestors.

Adding to the complexity, residents of the building where Sharma's apartment is located stated that Sharma's mother, brother, and sister, who also lived in the apartment, have not been seen since Garg's death.

Government's Stance and Assurances

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firm stance on the investigation, stating, "We will not spare anyone". He has assured the public that the SIT has full freedom to investigate the case with complete professional integrity. Sarma has also appealed to the public to have faith in the investigation and refrain from circulating rumors on social media, as this could hinder the probe.

The Chief Minister has also indicated that the state government is open to recommending a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) enquiry if the SIT's probe is found to be "unsatisfactory" at any stage. He emphasized the government's commitment to uncovering the truth behind Garg's death.

Other Developments

In the wake of Zubeen Garg's death, the Assam government has blacklisted Shyamkanu Mahanta and any group linked to him from hosting events in Assam. The state government will not provide any financial assistance or sponsorship to events associated with Mahanta. Furthermore, the government will request the Union government to withhold any financial support or sponsorship to him in any manner.

Amidst the ongoing investigation, advocate Sandeep Chamaria has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Gauhati High Court, seeking the transfer of the case to the CBI with court monitoring, citing possible lapses in security for the singer in Singapore. The plea is scheduled to be heard on November 10.

Zubeen Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has expressed her determination to complete his unfinished Assamese musical film 'Roi Roi Binale', which he produced and had scheduled for an October 31 release.