CID summons two Assam artistes in Zubeen Garg death probe

The Special Investigation Team probing the death of singer-actor Zubeen Garg summoned two prominent figures from Assam's entertainment industry on Sunday, October 5, as investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the artiste's mysterious demise.

 

Actor Vaishali Medhi arrived at the CID office accompanied by her mother, following a call from APS officer Moromi Das. 

 

"CID officer Moromi Das Baideu had called me yesterday, that's why I came. I don't know anything else," Medhi told reporters outside the office.

 

Singer Meghna Borpuzari, who performed alongside Zubeen Garg as a co-vocalist for three years during his peak years, was also present at the CID headquarters after receiving instructions from APS Moromi Das to appear for a statement recording.

 

SIT officers Rosiee Kalita and Moromi Das were stationed at the office to conduct the proceedings.

 

The development comes as investigators await a crucial viscera report expected on October 10, which officials say will be pivotal in determining the cause of death. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that authorities would have clearer answers by October 11.

 

The probe has been complicated by claims from Shekhar Goswami, who alleged that Zubeen was poisoned. However, Sarma clarified that such assertions remain unverified witness statements rather than established police findings. 

 

"Witnesses can say anything in their statements. The police's role is to record them in the case diary. The investigation will determine whether an accused is defending themselves or trying to mislead the probe," he explained on Saturday.

 

Several individuals, including Shekhar, Shyamkanu, and Siddharth, are currently either in custody or being questioned by the SIT. But investigators face a significant hurdle: securing cooperation from certain individuals believed to be in Singapore who are considered crucial to the investigation.

 

Addressing reporters on Saturday, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of assistance from the Assamese community in Singapore. "If the people in Singapore do not come to Assam, the probe cannot be conducted properly. It is important that the local community urges them to participate so that the truth can emerge. Without their cooperation, the matter could go in circles again," Sarma said.

 

The Chief Minister also clarified that his recent visit to the late singer's Kahilipara residence was purely personal. "I spent some time with Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen's father, and other family members as a gesture of solidarity. I did not discuss the case, investigations, or legal matters with them. I am here to share their grief," he stated.

 

A judicial commission has been established to allow anyone with relevant information to come forward. Sarma cautioned that certain statements made for publicity should not be confused with verified facts, reaffirming the government's commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation.

 

"The government wants this investigation to be thorough, transparent, and discreet. Only through cooperation from all sides can justice be ensured for Zubeen Garg," the Chief Minister asserted.