The Assam government has officially asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to activate the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to investigate the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg in the Southeast Asian nation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed this development on Monday, September 29, 2025.
According to Mr. Sarma’s statement on X, invoking this treaty will guarantee full cooperation from Singaporean authorities. This crucial step will provide access to vital case details and facilitate the process of bringing any accused individuals back to India to ensure justice for Garg.
Previously, the Assam government had established a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Special DGP M P Gupta, to probe the singer’s death by drowning in the sea on September 19 in Singapore.
Two officers from the Assam Police are expected to travel to Singapore shortly, once all required procedures are completed.
‘We Need Answers’: Zubeen’s Wife Speaks Out
Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, expressed the family’s urgent need to understand the circumstances surrounding his final moments and called for a thorough and proper inquiry into his death.
During a press conference in Guwahati following the singer’s 11th-day rituals, Ms. Garima emotionally stated, ‘We demand to know exactly what transpired, why it happened, and how such negligence was permitted. We need answers.’
She emphasized that everyone present with Zubeen on the yacht before his death, as well as at the event, ‘must provide answers.’
Ms. Garima questioned why those accompanying him did not pull him from the water, especially knowing he was unfit to swim. She suggested it would have been simple to divert his attention.
She further revealed that Zubeen’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma, was fully aware of his medical condition, specifically that exposure to water or fire could induce an epileptic seizure.
Reiterating her resolve, Ms. Garima declared, ‘I want justice! I demand a comprehensive inquiry and clear answers to all our questions. I have complete faith in the ongoing investigation.’
The family had initially hoped that those with him would ensure his safety, but ‘now we realize they failed to do so,’ she lamented.
When questioned about whether Zubeen had taken his prescribed medication, his wife stated she wasn’t sure, but confirmed that his medicines were packed and sent with him for his trip to Singapore.
She clarified that since August 2024, following a seizure attack, he had been on just one medication, and she had always made sure it was readily available, whether at home, in the car, or at the studio.
The family is still awaiting the return of the singer’s mobile phone.
Ms. Garima recalled speaking with Zubeen the day before the tragedy, noting that he had made no mention of any yacht trip plans.
She expressed surprise, saying, ‘He usually gets very excited about such activities, so I’m surprised he didn’t mention it. Perhaps he wasn’t even aware of the plan.’
Ms. Garima drew strength from Zubeen’s own words, recalling how he always referred to himself as ‘a tiger’ and encouraged her to be a ‘tigress’ during challenging times.
She concluded by extending heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam for their overwhelming support and strength provided to the grieving family.