Zubeen Garg death: Musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami arrested by SIT as row over Assamese icon's demise deepens

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has arrested musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, who was present during the controversial yacht trip in Singapore, which has become the flashpoint of the controversy linked to the case.

Goswami has been taken into custody for questioning, though officials have not revealed the allegations against him or clarified whether he will face formal charges, media reports said.

SIT raids North East Festival organiser

Entrepreneur and cultural activist Shyamkanu Mahanta is also under the SIT’s watch. He  was at an airport lounge when he contacted the CID and expressed his willingness to surrender. Officials indicated that his arrest could take place soon.

Several members of the Singapore Assam Association may also face detention over alleged irregularities connected to the incident. Authorities said more arrests are likely as the investigation expands.

Earlier in the day, SIT officers carried out a search at Mahanta’s residence, but no information has been released about the findings.

Zubeen Garg's death and controversy

Garg died on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore. The popular singer was cremated on the outskirts of Guwahati with full state honours on Tuesday. The cremation took place in Kamarkuchi after a second autopsy carried out to rule out foul play in his death.

The investigation into the singer’s demise was launched in response to public demand, allegations of wrongdoing, and the need for transparency in the probe into his untimely passing.

Early reports claimed Garg had died during a scuba diving mishap. However, his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, clarified that he had suffered a seizure while swimming at Lazarus Island, rejecting suggestions that scuba diving was involved.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has vowed strong action in case of any foulplay into Garg's death and reiterated nobody will be spared. He has also banned Mahanta from the state as he announced setting up the SIT. Sarma has also expressed willingness to handover the investigaton to the CBI.