GUWAHATI: On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Singaporean police officials are scheduled to meet with Assam’s Special Investigation Team (SIT). This meeting is a crucial step in their ongoing probe into the enigmatic death of beloved singer-composer Zubeen Garg, which occurred in the island nation.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed that the SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police Munna Prasad Gupta, will depart for Singapore on Monday, October 20. The Chief Minister expressed his hope for the mission, stating, “This is another significant step towards securing justice for Zubeen.”
Zubeen Garg tragically drowned on September 19 while swimming near an island in Singapore. Following this, Assam police arrested seven individuals, including his manager Siddharth Sharma and event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, in connection with the incident. Additionally, seven Assamese expatriates residing in Singapore were called in for questioning.
Public sentiment in Assam has put considerable pressure on the state government to collaborate closely with Singaporean authorities to ensure a thorough and unified investigation into Garg’s death.
Almost a month after his passing, Zubeen Garg’s fans remain deeply affected. This emotional intensity led to violent clashes between some of his supporters and police in Mushalpur, Baksa district. The confrontation occurred during the transfer of Sharma, Mahanta, and three other accused individuals to the recently constructed Baksa Central Jail.
Violence Condemned Amidst Rising Tensions
The decision to transfer the five accused to this specific jail, devoid of other inmates, was made following a local court’s directive on Wednesday. The court emphasized the need to protect them from potential harm by other prisoners, many of whom are known to be ardent fans of Zubeen Garg.
Authorities in Baksa district have managed to stabilize the situation in Mushalpur and its surrounding areas. However, restrictions on large public gatherings and the suspension of internet and mobile data services are still in effect.
Police resorted to using batons and tear gas to disperse a large crowd that attacked the convoy transporting the five arrested individuals. During the chaos, the mob set fire to three vehicles, two of which belonged to the police, resulting in injuries to dozens of people.
A district police officer confirmed that over ten people have been arrested so far for their alleged involvement in Wednesday’s assault, with further arrests anticipated.
The Press Emblem Council (PEC), an international organization dedicated to media safety and rights, issued a strong condemnation of the attacks on journalists amidst the Mushalpur mob violence. Reports indicate that at least 15 television and photojournalists were injured, and a Guwahati-based satellite news channel’s vehicle was set ablaze during the unrest.
Blaise Lempen, president of the PEC, speaking from Geneva, stated, “We strongly condemn the physical assaults on media personnel who were simply performing their duties. The authorities in Assam must ensure that all injured individuals receive care and that those responsible for these acts are apprehended and brought to justice.”
The PEC also highlighted the importance of specialized training and orientation courses for ground reporters and video journalists. These programs aim to equip them with the necessary skills to operate safely in volatile situations, which can frequently arise across the South Asian region.