New Delhi: The Assam Police are preparing to serve fresh summons to seven members of the Assam Association Singapore for failing to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of celebrated singer and actor Zubeen Garg. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that only one of the eight Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) summoned earlier — Rupkamal Kalita — had turned up before the October 6 deadline.
CID intensifies probe
CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta said investigators will now move ahead strictly in accordance with legal procedure.
“We are going to issue fresh summons to those who haven’t come yet. We’ll proceed as per law,” Gupta told reporters in Guwahati. He added that Kalita has been under continuous interrogation for more than 24 hours since his appearance at the CID headquarters on Tuesday.
Communication through legal channels
Gupta clarified that the CID was maintaining communication with the remaining NRIs through official channels, as they are based abroad. “Certain legal frameworks are involved since they’re overseas. We’re following due process and hope they will cooperate soon,” he said.
DSP Sandipan Garg among those arrested
Commenting on the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg earlier in the day, Gupta stated, “He has been arrested, and the investigation is going on. Beyond that, I cannot disclose much about the nature of his arrest.”
Sandipan, who is also Zubeen Garg’s cousin, was detained for his alleged role in the events surrounding the singer’s death.
SIT widens scope of investigation
Zubeen Garg, 52, died on September 19 while swimming in the sea during a yacht party reportedly organised by members of the Assam Association Singapore. He had travelled to the island nation to attend the 4th North East India Festival.
The SIT, formed to investigate the incident, has intensified its probe and is expected to question more individuals linked to the association in the coming days.