Singapore police say no foul play suspected in Zubeen Garg’s death; Assam SIT probe continues
PTC Web Desk: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Friday stated that no foul play is suspected in the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19, just before a scheduled concert. The police clarified that a comprehensive investigation is underway under Singapore’s Coroners Act 2010, and the final report may take over three months to complete.
In an official statement published on its website, the SPF addressed the widespread speculation surrounding Garg’s death. “The SPF is aware of the speculation and false information circulating online regarding the circumstances of Mr. Zubeen Garg’s death. Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play,” the statement read.
According to the SPF, once the investigation concludes, the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner of Singapore, who will decide whether to hold a Coroner’s Inquiry (CI), a judicial fact-finding process to determine the cause and circumstances of death. The inquiry’s results will be made public once finalised.
The SPF confirmed that preliminary findings and the autopsy report had been handed over to the High Commission of India in Singapore on October 1. The force also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, stating that the investigation “takes time” and will be conducted “thoroughly and professionally.”
Meanwhile, the Assam government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to probe the case. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the SIT report is expected by late November or early December.
Sarma met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner Alice Cheng in New Delhi on Wednesday and announced that a team of Assam Police officials will travel to Singapore on October 21 to coordinate with the SPF.
Following Garg’s death, the Assam Police arrested seven persons, including the singer’s brother, on charges of murder. Five of them were sent to judicial custody earlier this week, while the remaining two were remanded on Friday.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday when a police convoy transporting the five accused to Baksa District Jail was attacked by nearly 150 fans of Zubeen Garg, leading to violent clashes. The mob pelted stones at police, injuring several officers. In retaliation, police resorted to lathi-charge and firing in the air, which left two people injured.
The Assam Police later confirmed the arrest of four persons linked to the attack, two on Thursday and two more on Friday, and said more suspects have been identified.
- With inputs from agencies
