Gaurav Gogoi questions delay in Zubeen’s postmortem; state assures transparency

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction over the delay in conducting the postmortem of legendary singer Zubeen Garg, questioning why the procedure was not carried out immediately after his body arrived in Guwahati. 

He also criticised the dissemination of information through screenshots instead of official statements, calling for greater clarity and accountability.

In response, the Assam state government assured that the postmortem process will be fully transparent, with all arrangements being made to allow fans and well-wishers to pay their last respects.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a second postmortem will be conducted on Tuesday morning at Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH). The first autopsy was conducted in Singapore, where Garg tragically passed away by drowning on September 19. His last rites are scheduled on Tuesday on the outskirts of Guwahati with full state honours.

Also Read: Zubeen Garg’s fresh post-mortem at GMCH tomorrow, confirms Assam CM

Sarma clarified that the second postmortem is being conducted not at the behest of the public, but to address concerns raised by certain groups, with the consent of Garg’s wife. “We do not want to create any controversy over Zubeen, so this decision was taken,” he said, emphasising that democracy sometimes requires accommodating minority demands even if personal wishes differ.

The CM added that Singapore doctors, who conducted the first postmortem, possess greater technical expertise, but the procedure at GMCH—conducted by a team of doctors from GMCH and AIIMS, Guwahati—will ensure there is no scope for politicization of Zubeen’s demise. Following the procedure, the singer’s journey to the cremation ground will begin at 9:30 AM, two hours later than previously announced.