§  Zubeen Garg’s cousin arrested by Assam CID in Singapore yacht drowning case. 5th arrest made as murder probe intensifies. Get latest updates

§  Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg arrested in Zubeen Garg Singapore yacht death probe. CID breakthrough as singer’s cousin gets 7-day custody. Latest investigation updates

The investigation into iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s mysterious death in Singapore has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of his cousin, Assam Police Deputy Superintendent Sandipan Garg. The 52-year-old cultural icon drowned on September 19 during a yacht party, sparking intense scrutiny and multiple arrests.

DSP Sandipan Garg Arrested After Days of Interrogation

Sandipan Garg, an Assam Police Service officer posted as Deputy Superintendent (Law and Order) in Kamrup district was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday following extensive questioning. The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Kamrup Metropolitan district remanded him to seven-day police custody, though investigators had sought 14 days.

The arrest marks the fifth in the ongoing probe, as authorities investigate charges of murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy and causing death by negligence. Sandipan, who is the son of Zubeen’s paternal uncle, accompanied the singer to Singapore and was present on the yacht during the tragic incident.

·       CID Special DGP MP Gupta confirmed the arrest, stating: “We arrested Sandipan following his interrogation. Since an investigation is underway, I can’t reveal more than that”. The Assam government immediately suspended Sandipan from service with effect.

Wife Garima Reveals Close Bond Between Brothers

·       In an emotional response to the arrest, Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen’s wife, revealed the deep relationship between the singer and his cousin. She disclosed that Sandipan had expressed his desire to accompany Zubeen to Singapore for the first time, which made the singer “very happy”.

·       “Zubeen loved him dearly,” Garima stated. “He was proud of Sandipan and often told people how tall and good-looking he was, and how impressive it was that he had entered the police service”. She explained that Sandipan had recently joined the Assam Police and was previously involved in modeling and acting, even working on projects with Zubeen.

·       Garima expressed feeling “betrayed” by the developments but maintained faith in the justice system, saying: “Maybe the authorities found some clue in his statement. The investigation is ongoing, and I cannot comment too much on it”.

Singapore Yacht Party: The Fatal Night

The tragedy unfolded during a yacht party organized by Tanmoy Phukan, an old acquaintance of Zubeen Garg, on September 19. Video footage shows Zubeen initially jumping into the water wearing a life jacket but he reportedly removed it during a second swim, saying he felt uncomfortable.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that contrary to earlier reports, Zubeen died while swimming in the sea, not during scuba diving. “According to reports, he jumped into the sea a second time but this time without wearing a life jacket, because he said he felt uncomfortable swimming with it on,” Sarma explained.

The singer was found floating unconscious in the water and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 2:30 PM.

Multiple Arrests Shock Entertainment Industry

·       Before Sandipan’s arrest, the SIT had taken four others into custody

o   Shyamkanu Mahanta: North East India Festival chief organizer

o   Siddharth Sharma: Zubeen’s long-time manager

o   Shekhar Jyoti Goswami: Bandmate who alleged poisoning

o   Amritprava Mahanta: Co-singer present at the scene

The investigation expanded after Shekhar Jyoti Goswami made explosive allegations that Zubeen was poisoned, specifically naming the manager and event organizer as suspects.

Read More: Cross-Border Musical Love.! Pakistani Band খুদগর্জ Honors Zubeen Garg with Heartfelt ইয়া আলি Tribute in Karachi

Singapore NRIs Under Scanner

Authorities are pursuing 11 NRIs from the Assam Association Singapore who were present at the yacht party. Only Rup Kamal Kalita has responded to summons, undergoing six hours of interrogation on Tuesday. The remaining 10 individuals including association President Abhimanyu Talukdar and General Secretary Debjyoti Hazarika, face fresh summons.

·       CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta stated: “We will be issuing fresh summonses to all of them who have not appeared. We will proceed as per the legal processes”.

Financial Irregularities Uncovered

The probe has revealed significant financial discrepancies. Two of Zubeen’s personal security officers were suspended after investigators discovered transactions worth over ₹1.1 crore in their accounts. Additionally, raids at Shyamkanu Mahanta’s residence uncovered multiple PAN cards, 30 stamp seals of different companies and documents linked to benami properties.

CM Promises Justice Within Three Months

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that the chargesheet will be filed within the stipulated three-month period. “The inquiry is proceeding on expected lines. We have made one arrest after the other and I am sure that the Assam Police will submit the chargesheet within the stipulated time frame,” he declared.

The CM also confirmed plans to meet Singapore’s ambassador to India to facilitate cooperation in the investigation, including access to video footage from the hotel and yacht.

Digital Evidence and Forensic Analysis

The investigation has secured crucial digital evidence including Zubeen’s mobile phone seized from accused Siddharth Sharma near Gurgaon. The device, along with laptops and hard disks has been sent for comprehensive forensic analysis.

Singapore Police have shared the autopsy report and preliminary findings with Indian authorities through the High Commission, though they initially ruled out foul play.

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