Guwahati: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police is set to question one of eight Assamese people, based in Singapore, in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg.
First witness from Singapore returns
Rup Kamal Kalita, reportedly a resident of Kahilipara in Guwahati, is expected to arrive in the city on Tuesday to appear before the CID. The others, who were also on the yacht in Singapore where the singer died, have not responded to the summons so far.
“We hope the remaining witnesses will cooperate soon. Some are still reluctant to return, but their statements are crucial for concluding the inquiry,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Centre invokes treaty with Singapore
The Chief Minister ruled out sending Assam Police officers to Singapore, explaining that they have no jurisdiction overseas. “The Centre has already invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore, under which their government will share the findings of its investigation with India,” he added.
CID officials confirmed that notices had been issued to all eight individuals who were reportedly on board the yacht at the time of Zubeen Garg’s death. Sources said the state government is considering action, including passport cancellation, against those refusing to cooperate.
Pressure mounts on festival organiser
Meanwhile, growing pressure surrounds North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, who remains in police custody for his alleged role in the incident.
Chief Minister Sarma said that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (IT) Department will soon begin parallel investigations into suspected financial irregularities linked to Mahanta.
“The state government is coordinating with both agencies to ensure a professional and transparent probe,” Sarma told reporters. “No one involved in Zubeen Garg’s death will escape accountability.”
‘Photos irrelevant to investigation’
The Chief Minister also dismissed speculation around photographs and personal connections linked to Mahanta. “He was known for posing with prominent people — politicians, journalists, and others — but such images have no bearing on this case,” Sarma said.
He added that while records exist of Mahanta’s overseas trips, including to Bangkok, none of those details are relevant to the current investigation.