The Indian government has activated the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to aid in the investigation of the death of Zubeen Garg, a celebrated singer and cultural icon of Assam. Garg, 52, passed away on September 19, 2025, after drowning in Singapore waters while swimming during a yacht trip. He was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development on Tuesday, stating that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally invoked the MLAT in connection with the FIR lodged by the Assam Police regarding Garg's death. The Assam government had requested the MHA to invoke the treaty on Monday.

The MLAT is a bilateral pact between India and Singapore that allows both countries to share evidence, documents, and investigative support in criminal cases. According to Chief Minister Sarma, invoking the MLAT will ensure full cooperation from Singaporean authorities, provide access to case details, and assist in bringing back the accused to secure justice. The treaty is based on an agreement India signed with Singapore in 2005.

The MHA has communicated to the High Commission of India in Singapore to forward the request to the Attorney General of Singapore, the central authority of that country, indicating the requirements for legal assistance in investigating the case. The MHA has also requested that upon receiving a response or execution report, it should be forwarded to the ministry for further transmission to the investigating agency.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Sarma stated that the MHA has invoked the treaty in connection with the FIR lodged by Assam Police regarding Garg's death.

The Assam government has formed a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Special DGP M P Gupta, to investigate Garg's death. Two officers from the Assam Police are currently in Singapore seeking assistance from local authorities in the investigation. The investigation is progressing with the combined efforts of both Indian and Singaporean authorities under the framework of the MLAT agreement.

Under the MLAT provisions, Singaporean authorities will be required to share case details, extend investigative support, and cooperate in legal procedures, including the extradition of accused individuals if necessary. Officials believe this step will significantly strengthen the ongoing investigation. Once the MHA invokes the treaty, a special team from Assam will be dispatched to Singapore to coordinate with local authorities, examine case evidence, and ensure that all legal avenues are pursued to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The move comes amid growing public demand for a transparent and thorough investigation into Garg's death, which has left millions of fans across Assam and the Northeast in grief. Garg was not only a singer but also a composer, actor, and activist, and his sudden demise has sparked widespread shock and sorrow. His 13th-day mourning ritual will be held on Wednesday in Jorhat.