Guwahati: The family of late singer Zubeen Garg has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death in Singapore last month. His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and sister, Palme Borthakur, have both expressed their grief and demanded justice for the beloved musician.

What did Zubeen Garg’s wife say?

In an emotional note shared on Facebook, Garima Saikia Garg wrote that she is struggling to understand why her husband passed away.

“...we will be together again, very soon Goldie (the name by which Zubeen was called by the family). But now, very soon, I/we all want to know the reason why you went away physically from us... Why? This is a big question. This question is burning my empty heart day and night. I want an answer...,” she wrote.

Garima also mentioned that she wanted to know the truth behind his passing and emphasised that the pain of not knowing was unbearable.

What did his sister say?

The singer’s sister, Palme Borthakur, also shared a heartfelt message online. She wrote, “You will again call me ‘Momon’ (her pet name)... when we meet on the other side... now we have only one goal... to ensure justice for you.”

She urged Zubeen’s fans and well-wishers to extend emotional support and help the family in their pursuit of justice.

What has happened since the singer’s death?

Earlier, Garima had returned the report of the second post-mortem conducted at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to the government, saying it was not her “personal document”. She stated that the investigating officers would be the best judges to decide if the report should be made public.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that the government cannot release the report as per legal rules but added that “a certified copy can be received from the court.”

Who has been arrested so far?

Four people have been arrested in connection with Zubeen’s death; his manager Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, singer Amritprava Mahanta, and North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta.

More than 60 FIRs were filed across Assam against Mahanta, Sharma, and others. Following this, the Chief Minister directed the DGP to transfer all the cases to the CID and form a consolidated case for detailed investigation.

What is the status of the investigation?

The CID has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta to probe Zubeen’s death, which occurred while he was swimming in the sea in Singapore on 19 September.

The SIT issued summons to several people close to the singer, including eight of the eleven members of the Assam Association of Singapore, who were present during his final moments on the yacht. They were asked to appear before the team by 6 October.

The deadline expired on Monday, but none of the association members appeared before the SIT. However, one person, Rupkamal Kalita, informed the CID that he would present himself on Tuesday.

PTI inputs