Key Highlights
- Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, cousin of late singer Zubeen Garg, arrested and suspended following five days of interrogation by Assam CID’s Special Investigation Team
- Total of five arrests made in the Zubeen Garg death investigation, with all accused charged under murder, culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma promises chargesheet within three months while invoking Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Singapore for international cooperation
Initial Context: From Tragic Accident to Murder Investigation
The death of celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg during a yacht trip in Singapore has transformed from an apparent drowning incident into a complex murder investigation. The 52-year-old cultural icon, known for his hit song “Ya Ali,” died on September 19, 2025, while swimming during a yacht outing with members of the Assam Association Singapore. What initially appeared as a tragic accident has now prompted serious criminal charges against multiple individuals, including Garg’s own cousin and police officer.
The Zubeen Garg death investigation took a dramatic turn when the Assam Criminal Investigation Department’s Special Investigation Team arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg on October 8, 2025. Sandipan, who accompanied the singer to Singapore and was present during the fatal yacht trip, became the fifth person arrested in connection with the case. The arrest followed extensive interrogation sessions over five consecutive days, during which investigators apparently uncovered crucial evidence.
The Zubeen Garg death investigation has revealed troubling aspects of the singer’s final hours in Singapore. According to official sources, Garg had traveled to Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival but also made personal arrangements with local Assamese community members. The yacht party, organized by Singapore-based NRIs, included eleven individuals who are now considered key witnesses in the murder probe.
Zubeen Garg’s cousin, DSP Sandipan, has been arrested by the CID after multiple rounds of interrogation. He was earlier questioned along with several close associates of the late singer in connection with the ongoing investigation into Zubeen Garg’s untimely death. pic.twitter.com/0raF9OiWyR
— Nandan Pratim Sharma Bordoloi (@NANDANPRATIM) October 8, 2025
Escalating Criminal Charges and Legal Framework
The transformation of the Zubeen Garg death investigation from negligence to murder charges reflects the severity of evidence uncovered by investigators. All five arrested individuals face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. The escalation indicates that the Special Investigation Team has gathered substantial evidence suggesting foul play rather than accidental drowning.
Sandipan Garg’s arrest particularly shocked the investigation, given his position as an Assam Police Service officer and his family relationship with the deceased. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, who served as co-district in-charge superintendent of Boko-Chhaygaon in Kamrup district, was immediately suspended from service following his arrest. His seven-day police custody reflects the seriousness of the charges and the need for extensive interrogation.
The Zubeen Garg death investigation has uncovered concerning financial irregularities alongside the murder charges. The Enforcement Directorate has initiated parallel investigations into financial transactions exceeding several lakhs discovered during the probe. Additionally, two personal security officers of Zubeen Garg were suspended after investigators found suspicious financial activities in their records.
Indian authorities have invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Singapore to ensure comprehensive international cooperation in the Zubeen Garg death investigation. The treaty facilitates sharing of evidence, witness statements, and forensic materials between the two countries, essential for building a strong case given the international nature of the incident. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has committed to meeting Singapore’s ambassador to discuss diplomatic aspects of the investigation.
International Witnesses and Diplomatic Cooperation
The Zubeen Garg death investigation faces significant challenges in securing testimony from eleven Singapore-based NRIs who were present during the yacht trip. Only one witness, Rup Kamal Kalita, has cooperated with investigators by appearing before the Special Investigation Team for six hours of questioning. The remaining ten witnesses, including key figures from the Assam Association Singapore, have been served summons through the Indian High Commission but have yet to respond.
The list of summoned witnesses includes Tanmoy Phukan, who reportedly organized the yacht party, along with Assam Association Singapore President Abhimanyu Talukdar and General Secretary Debjyoti Hazarika. Other witnesses include Siddartha Bora, Parikshit Sarma, Bajid Ahmed, Bhaskar Dutta, Pritam Bhuyan, G Narzary, and Sushmita Goswami, all of whom are crucial to understanding the events leading to Garg’s death.
The diplomatic dimensions of the Zubeen Garg death investigation have prompted high-level government intervention. Chief Minister Sarma’s planned meeting with Singapore’s ambassador demonstrates the case’s significance for India-Singapore relations, particularly given that Garg’s death occurred during bilateral programs commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations. The successful invocation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty represents a major step toward securing international cooperation.
Special Investigation Team structure reveals the case’s complexity, with the 10-member team headed by Special DGP M.P. Gupta conducting parallel investigations across multiple jurisdictions. The team includes officers from various specialized wings of Assam Police, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the Zubeen Garg death investigation. Two Assam Police officers are currently stationed in Singapore to coordinate with local authorities and gather evidence.
Family Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Garima Garg’s emotional statements about her husband’s relationship with the arrested cousin provide insight into the family dynamics surrounding the Zubeen Garg death investigation. She described Sandipan as someone Zubeen “loved dearly” and was proud of his police service, making the arrest particularly painful for the family. Her continued faith in the justice system reflects the family’s commitment to uncovering the truth despite personal relationships with the accused.
The revelation that Sandipan had never accompanied Zubeen abroad before the Singapore trip adds another layer of complexity to the Zubeen Garg death investigation. According to Garima, when Sandipan expressed his desire to join the Singapore trip, Zubeen was happy to take him along, viewing it as an opportunity to support his cousin’s aspirations. This context makes the subsequent murder charges even more shocking for the family and the public.
Manas Robin, a close friend of Zubeen Garg, has claimed possession of crucial evidence related to the case, which he submitted to the Special Investigation Team. His testimony could prove significant in the Zubeen Garg death investigation, particularly given his intimate knowledge of the singer’s professional and personal life. The nature of this evidence remains confidential as the investigation continues.
Closing Assessment: Justice System Response and Future Implications
The Zubeen Garg death investigation represents a watershed moment for India-Singapore criminal justice cooperation and demonstrates the commitment of both nations to pursue justice regardless of jurisdictional challenges. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s promise of a chargesheet within three months signals the government’s determination to expedite the case while maintaining investigative thoroughness. The successful invocation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty establishes a precedent for handling complex international criminal cases involving Indian citizens abroad.
The transformation of the Zubeen Garg death investigation from a drowning incident to murder charges highlights the importance of thorough forensic investigation and international cooperation in modern criminal justice. The arrest of a serving police officer demonstrates that no individual is above the law, regardless of their position or relationship to the victim. As the investigation progresses toward the promised chargesheet, the case will likely influence future protocols for international criminal investigations and diplomatic cooperation between India and Singapore.
The pursuit of justice for Zubeen Garg’s death will undoubtedly impact the cultural community of Assam and the broader framework of India-Singapore relations, setting important precedents for accountability in international criminal cases.
