Delhi: In a major political development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday declared in the state Assembly that the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19, was “not an accident but a murder.” The statement marks a dramatic shift in the state’s public narrative surrounding the singer’s demise.
Sarma revealed that the Assam government had treated the case as a murder from the very first day, leading to arrests and charges under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Those currently in custody include Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Amritprava Mahanta, and Shekhar Jyoti Goswami.
Govt Cites Early Suspicion, Multiple BNS Sections Invoked
The Chief Minister said investigators noticed “serious inconsistencies” soon after the incident, prompting the registration of an FIR under
BNS Section 61 (criminal conspiracy),
BNS Section 105 (culpable homicide), and
BNS Section 106 (causing death by rash or negligent act).
Within 48 hours, the government asked the court to add BNS Section 103, which pertains to punishment for murder, based on the initial evidence gathered.
“All bail hearings and legal proceedings have since been carried out under Section 103,” Sarma told the Assembly.
Case Required MHA Clearance; Amit Shah Grants Sanction
Because the alleged crime took place outside India, the probe needed prior approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs under Section 208 of the BNSS. Sarma confirmed that Home Minister Amit Shah approved the request, enabling the state police to move forward.
“This sanction allows us to complete the investigation on time,” Sarma said, adding that the chargesheet would be filed before December 10, with the investigation expected to conclude within 10 to 15 days.
