Assam CM Himanta Sarma Calls Zubeen Garg’s Death A Murder: “It Is A Murder From The Very First Day”

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the Assembly that singer Zubeen Garg's death was never treated as an accident or a medical emergency.

He said investigators believed from the beginning that the musician had been killed and that one primary accused, along with several accomplices, carried out the act. The chargesheet is planned for submission on December 8.

CM Says Case Was Viewed As Murder From Start

During the opening day of the winter session, Sarma said the government had no doubts about the nature of the case. "It is a murder from the very first day. The accused, Shyamkanu Mahanta, along with 4-5 accused, are locked up in a murder case. Our emotions are with Zubeen. That is why we are probing Zubeen Garg's murder," he said.

Sarma urged Speaker Biswajit Daimary to allow an adjournment motion that would open the issue for debate. The House accepted the request, leading to a detailed discussion on the circumstances of the late musician's death.

Opposition Demands Clarity And Accountability

Before the debate began, leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi submitted their own adjournment motions that focused on the same topic. While the Speaker examined them, Sarma stepped in to say that the government was already deeply involved and open to a full conversation on the matter.

Garg, one of Assam's most influential cultural figures, died in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Sarma said doubts emerged almost instantly after news of his death. "Right after the death, we felt something was amiss. That is why we registered an FIR under BNS sections 61 (criminal conspiracy), 105 (culpable homicide), and 106 (causing death by rash and negligent act)," he said.

He added that the initial investigation suggested a direct killing. Within two days of filing the FIR, the state requested the inclusion of BNS Section 103, which deals with murder.

Debate On Identifying Accused And National Honor For Garg

Sarma explained that all court hearings and bail pleas have proceeded on the basis of Section 103. He said that the court granting 14 day custody and rejecting bail for all accused indicated that investigators had strong grounds.

During the Assembly exchange, Akhil Gogoi pressed the government to publicly identify every individual who allegedly participated in the crime. He also accused the state of financially supporting Shyamkanu Mahanta's Northeast India Festival, a claim that Sarma denied, insisting that no funds had been given.

Gogoi additionally urged the government to recommend Bharat Ratna for Zubeen Garg, a suggestion backed by Debabrata Saikia. In reply, Sarma said he was open to considering the proposal, but "in a proper manner and not during an adjournment motion discussion."