Singapore-Based Assamese Witness Appears in Court in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Guwahati — The prosecution continued examining witnesses Wednesday in the death case of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, with Singapore-based Assamese Abhimanyu Talukdar appearing before a fast-track court in Assam.

Talukdar is among several overseas-based Assamese witnesses whose statements are being recorded as the court examines the circumstances surrounding a yacht party attended by Garg on September 19, 2025, the day he died in Singapore.

Garg, 52, died following an incident during a yacht trip in waters off Lazarus Island. He had traveled to Singapore for the North East India Festival and was scheduled to perform at the event the following day.

His death later led to investigations and legal proceedings in Assam.

Earlier this month, Singapore-based Assamese Parikshit Sharma appeared before the court and recorded his testimony. Sharma was among those aboard the yacht when the incident occurred.

Other overseas witnesses examined by the court include Sushmita Goswami, Pratim Lahkar and Debajyoti Hazarika. Jio Langsat Narzary has also been listed among the expatriate witnesses appearing in the proceedings.

The witness examination has focused on accounts of the yacht outing and the sequence of events surrounding Garg’s death. Their statements are being entered as part of the prosecution’s evidence.

The proceedings in Assam are continuing even after Singapore authorities concluded their separate investigation into Garg’s death.

Singapore State Coroner Adam Nakhoda said in March 2026 that Garg’s death was an accidental drowning, while the Singapore Police Force said its investigation found no evidence of foul play.

In Assam, the Criminal Investigation Department formed a Special Investigation Team following allegations raised by members of Garg’s family and others.

The SIT later registered a criminal case and filed a chargesheet naming seven accused, including Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sarma, festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and the late singer’s bandmates Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahanta. They were charged with murder, with investigators alleging a criminal conspiracy connected to the incident.

The fast-track court is continuing to examine the evidence under the Indian legal process, with additional witness testimony expected as the trial proceeds. (Source: IANS)