Guwahati, Oct 24 – The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is expected to provide critical evidence, including CCTV footage and eyewitness statements, related to the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg within the next 10 days, as confirmed by CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta during a press conference on Friday.

The Assam Police has formally requested the SPF to supply all pertinent information to expedite the ongoing investigation. Gupta, who leads the Special Investigation Team (SIT), along with Titabor Co-District SP Tarun Goel, returned from Singapore on Thursday after a four-day trip to investigate Garg’s unnatural death.

During their visit, Gupta and Goel met with the Indian High Commissioner in Singapore to discuss the necessary legal assistance. They also engaged in a productive dialogue with a five-member delegation from the SPF regarding the investigation’s progress in both countries.

Gupta stated that they are seeking statements from the yacht pilot and a member of the Assam Association Singapore, noting that as Singaporean citizens, this will require a legal process. The SPF has assured the Assam Police that these statements will be provided within the next 10 days.

Additionally, the Assam Police has requested CCTV footage from the hotel and other locations visited by Garg, with the SPF committing to deliver this footage in the same timeframe. Gupta emphasized the need for timely cooperation to facilitate the investigation, which the SPF aims to complete within 90 days, aligning with the Assam Police’s goal to submit a chargesheet within three months.

The SIT, under the CID, is currently investigating Garg’s death, which has prompted over 60 FIRs across Assam. Gupta mentioned that they were able to visit the locations associated with Garg during his stay in Singapore, including the yacht rented by the Assam Association Singapore. He noted that while international cooperation typically takes time, they are receiving prompt assistance in this case.

The initial autopsy report, conducted immediately after Garg’s death, was provided to the Assam Police team through the Indian High Commission. Gupta reported that the investigation in Guwahati is progressing well, with over 70 statements recorded thus far. Garg’s wife, Garima, and sister, Palme Borthakur, visited the CID headquarters to provide their statements.

Gupta appealed to the public for any relevant information regarding Zubeen Garg or communications with him prior to his death. The celebrated singer tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances in Singapore on September 19 while swimming in the sea, having traveled to attend the 4th edition of the North East India Festival.

The Indian government previously invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to seek cooperation in the investigation. The SPF is also conducting its own independent investigation into Garg’s alleged drowning, with preliminary findings indicating no foul play.

In a statement on October 17, the SPF noted that the investigation could take up to three additional months before findings are submitted to the State Coroner for further proceedings. The Assam Police have interrogated 10 Assamese expatriates from Singapore, with one remaining individual being a Singaporean citizen.

A yacht was chartered by officials of the Assam Association Singapore, and all 11 individuals were present during the incident involving Garg’s alleged drowning near an island. Previously, key figures including North East India Festival chief organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, and two band members were apprehended. Additionally, Garg’s cousin, Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg, was arrested last month in connection with the case.

Zubeen Garg’s personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, were also arrested following the discovery of significant financial transactions totaling over Rs 1.1 crore from their accounts. All seven individuals arrested are currently in judicial custody, facing charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence.