Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and the late singer-actor Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma were arrested and produced before a court in Guwahati on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the ongoing probe into Garg’s death in Singapore. The duo has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody under the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Arrests made in Delhi and Gurgaon

According to police officials, Mahanta had been hiding in Singapore and was arrested upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Sharma, meanwhile, was picked up from an apartment in Gurgaon. Both were immediately flown to Guwahati under police escort and presented before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, where the remand order was issued despite heavy rain in the city.

Police sources confirmed that lookout circulars had been issued against both Mahanta and Sharma, instructing them to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Guwahati by October 6. Their arrest comes amid mounting pressure for a transparent probe into Garg’s untimely death.

SIT widens investigation

The SIT has already questioned several people in connection with the case, including Garg’s drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, his brother and police officer Sandipon Garg, actress Nishita Goswami, Amritprabha, and television channel owner Sanjive Narain. Notably, all of them were present in Singapore at the time of Zubeen Garg’s death on September 19.

The team is focusing on reconstructing the final hours leading to Garg’s scuba diving accident, which has shocked millions of fans across Assam and beyond. Investigators are also probing potential lapses in safety measures and the circumstances under which the tragedy occurred.

MLAT invoked for cross-border probe

Assam DGP Harmeet Singh stated that the investigation is being jointly handled by the CID and SIT, with directions from the chief minister to ensure complete transparency. “One SIT/CID team is already in Delhi, and another will head to Singapore. The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) process is underway. I appeal to the people of Assam to have faith in the police. Within seven days, the probe will reach a logical conclusion,” Singh said.

The use of MLAT is seen as crucial in gathering evidence and testimony from Singapore, where the incident occurred. The treaty allows India to formally request cooperation from Singaporean authorities in retrieving documents, forensic reports, and other relevant materials.

Assam bids farewell to Zubeen Garg

Meanwhile, Assam bid an emotional farewell to Zubeen Garg earlier this week. His mortal remains were flown from Singapore to Delhi and later transported to Guwahati, where thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects. His wife Garima broke down at the pyre, as the state mourned the loss of a legendary figure in Assamese music and cinema.

The 52-year-old singer-actor, known for his versatility and contribution to Assamese and Indian music, left behind an unparalleled legacy. His sudden demise has not only triggered grief but also raised demands for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.

Conclusion

The arrests of Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma represent a turning point in the case surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death. With SIT expanding its probe and international legal mechanisms being invoked, authorities are under pressure to deliver clarity. While fans continue to grieve, officials maintain that the legal process is being followed diligently and have appealed for patience and cooperation