In a significant development in the investigation into the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, authorities arrested his bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and co-singer Amritprabha Mahanta on Thursday. The duo, who were at the scene during the incident, now join three others in custody, bringing the total number of detentions to four.
Garg, a celebrated figure in Northeast India’s music scene, died on September 19 in Singapore under enigmatic circumstances while swimming in the ocean. He had traveled there to perform at the fourth edition of the Northeast India Festival, an event coordinated by one of the earlier arrestees.
An investigating officer, speaking to news agency PTI, explained the rationale behind the latest arrests: “We have found some evidence against them. So, to enquire further, their arrest was necessary.” This move underscores the police’s determination to unravel potential lapses or involvement in the tragedy.
The probe gained momentum earlier in the week with the apprehension of Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma, and the festival’s organizer, Shyamkanu Mahanta, on Wednesday. Both face charges under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), encompassing culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and death due to negligence. Special Director General of Police for Assam’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Munna Prasad Gupta, confirmed their placement in 14-day police custody, where interrogations are ongoing. “The investigation is going on, and I cannot share much detail. We have added Section 103 of the BNS in the FIR now,” Gupta stated. This section pertains to murder, punishable by death, life imprisonment, or a fine, signaling a potential escalation in the case’s gravity.
Shyamkanu Mahanta’s familial ties add another layer to the inquiry. He is the younger sibling of former Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, presently serving as Chief Information Commissioner for the Assam State Information Commission. His other brother, Nani Gopal Mahanta, previously advised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on education matters before assuming the role of Vice Chancellor at Gauhati University.
As forensic analysis and witness statements proceed, the case continues to captivate the public, with authorities withholding further specifics to safeguard the probe. Garg’s untimely passing has left fans mourning a versatile artist whose contributions spanned music, film, and cultural advocacy in Assam.
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