In a significant development in the investigation into the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, his cousin, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sandipan Garg, has been arrested. Sandipan, an officer in the Assam Police Service, was taken into custody on October 8, 2025, marking the fifth arrest in the ongoing case. He had accompanied Zubeen to Singapore, where the singer tragically drowned on September 19 during a swimming incident.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Sandipan Garg after several days of questioning. He was reportedly present with the singer at the time of the incident. The charges against him include culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. He has been remanded to seven days of police custody as investigations continue.
Earlier arrests in the case included Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, band member Amrit Prabha Mahanta, and festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta. Reports suggest that Goswami alleged that Sharma and Mahanta may have poisoned Zubeen Garg and delayed seeking medical assistance when he showed signs of distress. Investigations have also revealed that Sandipan Garg attended a yacht party in Singapore, which is linked to the ongoing inquiries.
The arrest of a close relative and serving police officer has shocked the public and intensified calls for a thorough and transparent investigation. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that if the SIT fails to produce conclusive results, the case may be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are under pressure to ensure justice for Zubeen Garg, whose untimely death has left a void in the music community and among his fans.
