Zubeen Garg’s Death: The Untold Story…
The beginning in Guwahati Press Club:
A press conference was held that day at Guwahati Press Club. It was announced that the North-East India Festival would be organized in Singapore from September 19–21, 2025, spread over three days.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organizer, informed that the 4th edition of the festival would take place at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore. He also said that the Indian Embassy in Singapore would collaborate in organizing the event as part of the 60th anniversary of India–Singapore diplomatic relations.
One of the key partners of the event would be the Assam Association Singapore. Thus began the context of the Singapore visit. Mahanta also outlined the events that would be showcased.
Who was supposed to attend?
As per Mahanta’s announcement, the valedictory event of the festival would feature Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, along with Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh (Pema Khandu), Meghalaya (Conrad Sangma), and ministers from Tripura, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Assam. In total, more than 400 delegates and guests were expected.
The highlights included Zubeen Garg’s cultural evening, performances by Nagaland and Manipur’s top bands, Tripura’s Barkong Hrangkhal dance, Singaporean rapper Yung Raja, Arunachal’s Shan Laing Dance, Sattriya dance led by Violina Bardoloi, Tiwa and Karbi Bihu dances, and fashion shows by designers from the North-East, including Cherling Ingti Pi. Present at the event were Zubeen Garg, Pronoy Bordoloi, Rituraj Bordoloi, Mriganka Hazarika, Sanjiv Narayan, and others. Actress Nishita Goswami was invited as an anchor. The invitation was for select dignitaries.
When did Zubeen arrive in Singapore?
On September 17, 2025, Zubeen flew from Guwahati to Singapore with four companions: Siddhartha Sharma (manager), Shekharjyoti Goswami (musician), Sandeepan Garg (brother and police officer), and singer Amritprabha Mahanta.
They reached Singapore around 3:55 p.m. local time via Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines (KB 540 flight). Zubeen stayed at the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel, a 38-storey five-star property with 790 rooms at Marina Square.
North-East India Festival in Singapore:
The festival kicked off on schedule. The Assam Association members were busy receiving the guests. Everyone was excited to have Zubeen with them.
The party the night before:
On the night before the festival, a liquor party was organized by expatriate Assamese Tanmay Phukan. Several Assamese living in Singapore joined. Plans were made for the next day’s yacht trip to St. John’s Island.
Zubeen skipped dinner that night and went straight to bed. He hadn’t taken proper rest or medicines he usually needed.
The accident at sea:
On September 19, around noon, Zubeen and his group (joined by 12 expatriate Assamese, including Abhimanyu Talukdar, Tanmay Phukan, Wazibur, Parikshit Sharma, etc.) boarded a yacht. Traditional Assamese pork curry with ou-tenga was specially cooked for Zubeen, along with beer.
There was a facility to dive and swim in the shallow sea near the island, with life jackets compulsory. The first time, Zubeen used a jacket and came out safely. The second time, he removed it and jumped. After swimming for a while, he suddenly became unconscious. Musician Shekhar tried to hold him up; the yacht driver also jumped in to help. Zubeen was pulled into a small rescue boat and given CPR. White froth was seen from his mouth and nose.
It was later revealed he had vomited earlier on the yacht but it was ignored. Due to lack of food, sleep, and medication, his condition worsened.
Hospital and aftermath:
The Coast Guard and police instructed the yacht to head to a nearby dock with medical facilities. Zubeen was rushed by ambulance to Singapore General Hospital, accompanied only by manager Siddhartha Sharma. Despite all efforts, doctors declared him dead.
Police detained everyone from the yacht, interrogating them about alcohol, drugs, and reasons for the trip. Zubeen’s hotel room was also searched.
Festival continued despite his death:
While Zubeen’s body was still in the hospital, Shyamkanu Mahanta returned to the festival venue and continued with scheduled events, including a fashion show, though he later claimed everything was cancelled immediately. This triggered public outrage in Assam against Mahanta.
Media and police investigation:
Singaporean journalist Diana confirmed to media that investigations were ongoing and confidential. The police had received a call at 3:30 p.m. on September 19 about a 52-year-old man found unconscious near St. John’s Island.
Complaints in Assam:
Back home, people filed multiple FIRs against Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma, holding them responsible for Zubeen’s death. By September 22, over 60 FIRs were registered, and CID opened a case (No. 18/2025) under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Viral WhatsApp Screenshots:
Amid ongoing debates about who was responsible for Zubeen Garg’s death, several WhatsApp chat screenshots went viral. At first, people doubted their authenticity, but soon questions began to arise about Zubeen’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma. The leaked conversations contained explosive details suggesting that Siddhartha had been financially exploiting Zubeen for years. Many of Zubeen’s close acquaintances had known about these issues but had never spoken publicly. Later, it emerged that the chats were between musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, who was with Zubeen in Singapore, and Piku Borgohain, the general secretary of the Zubeen Garg Fan Club.
These revelations intensified public suspicion and raised more questions about Zubeen’s death. Allegations also surfaced that Shyamkanu Mahanta had used Zubeen even during periods of ill health, and Siddhartha’s role came under wider scrutiny across Assam.
Did Siddhartha Become Rich by Cheating Zubeen?
Siddhartha Sharma was one of Zubeen’s most trusted associates. Coming from a Marwari family, whatever Siddhartha advised, Zubeen followed. After Mittal, Zubeen’s previous manager, stepped away, Siddhartha took over full responsibility.
Coincidentally, both Zubeen and Siddhartha shared the same birthday on November 18. Siddhartha was not only a friend but also a confidant and advisor. They even celebrated birthdays together.
But today, the difference between their wealth is striking. According to Zubeen’s close circles, Siddhartha owns:
- A three-star hotel named Royal Heritage in Ahomgaon, Guwahati.
- A water-bottling factory at Six Mile, Guwahati.
- Premium apartments in Beltola and Datalpara, Guwahati.
- A music management office on Zoo Road, Guwahati.
He is also the director of Zubeen Garg LLP Musical Company.
By contrast, Zubeen’s assets included a flat at Kahilipara, a house under construction at Kharghuli, a studio in Joonali, and previously a flat at Usha Court (reportedly sold). His Mumbai studio was shut after a dispute with producer Dev Borkotoky, forcing him to open a small personal studio in Joonali.
These disparities now demand investigation. The big question: Was Zubeen, who always spoke against injustice, himself a victim of it?
Mayabini: Anthem of Love or Business of Crores? Strange Coincidence Surfaces After Zubeen Garg’s Death
As Assam mourns the untimely demise of music legend Zubeen Garg, a curious chain of events has sparked both emotion and speculation among fans.
During one of his live performances, Zubeen had once remarked: “If I die, then all people should sing together the Mayabini song.” What was then a casual statement for his audience has today become a haunting reality, with “Mayabini” emerging as the anthem of remembrance.
Adding intrigue to the story, the original version of “Mayabini”—which for years had never been officially available on platforms like Spotify, JioSaavn, Gaana, or even as caller tunes—was suddenly released on September 16, 2025. This marked the first time the track became widely accessible across digital streaming services.
The timing of this release, just days before Zubeen’s passing, has raised questions. Was it merely coincidence, part of a long-scheduled rollout? Or was it a strategic move by rights-holders to capitalize on the inevitable surge in streams and downloads that often follows the death of a legendary artist? Industry watchers estimate the sudden popularity of the song could translate into crores of rupees in revenue.
For the people, however, the business side is secondary. Across Assam, fans are gathering to sing “Mayabini” together, turning it into the very tribute Zubeen once envisioned. Whether by coincidence or calculation, the song has now been immortalized—an anthem forever bound to his memory.
Why Shouldn’t They Be Held Guilty?
Public outrage raises another question: if accusations are so strong, why shouldn’t they be considered guilty? Did they not push an ailing Zubeen toward death for their own interests?
Many fans feel that Zubeen’s simplicity was exploited by those close to him. His illness became an opportunity for some to build wealth. Multiple accounts and sources suggest these claims carry truth.
Unfortunately, a mix of verified facts, tragic realities, and speculative rumors has clouded the environment. Some are even dragging Zubeen’s wife, Garima, into controversy—something widely condemned. The real responsibility lies in uncovering the truth through facts and careful investigation, not through wild theories. Whether or not the law punishes them, Zubeen’s millions of fans have already judged those they see as villains. Social isolation and public condemnation may itself become their punishment.
Still, one unanimous voice rises from the masses: the guilty must be punished—and punished severely.
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