Zubeen Garg Death: Festival Organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Manager Siddharth Sharma Arrested

Zubeen Garg Death: The investigation into the death of Assam’s iconic singer-actor Zubeen Garg has taken a major turn with the arrest of two key figures – festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s long-time manager Siddharth Sharma. Both were picked up from Delhi and brought to Guwahati, where they have been remanded to 14 days of custody under the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Mahanta, the chief organizer of the North East India Festival (NEIF), was detained at Delhi airport on his return from Singapore. Sharma was arrested in Gurugram, where investigators reportedly recovered Garg’s mobile phone, considered a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

Charges and Allegations

Multiple FIRs filed across Assam have accused the duo of criminal negligence, conspiracy, and culpable homicide not amounting to murder in connection with Garg’s untimely demise. Allegations also point to mismanagement during the singer’s Singapore trip in September, where he had travelled to perform at a cultural event.

The arrests follow weeks of mounting pressure from fans and civil society, demanding accountability and transparency. The Assam government has also barred Mahanta and his organisations from hosting events in the state, denying sponsorships or state-backed financial support.

Government Action

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Special DGP M.P. Gupta has been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death. The SIT will work alongside the Assam CID, which is consolidating multiple complaints and FIRs.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier confirmed that the state sought clarity on whether negligence or foul play was involved, ordering a second autopsy to verify the findingst from Singapore authorities, who listed drowning as the cause of death.

Background

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons, passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025. His death certificate cited drowning, but public disbelief and outrage over the handling of his tour arrangements led to protests and calls for justice. Garg’s passing has been described as a loss that cut through every Assamese household, sparking an unprecedented wave of mourning.

The Road Ahead

With Mahanta and Sharma now in custody, investigators are expected to examine their role in organising the Singapore trip, their conduct during the event, and whether lapses contributed to Garg’s death. The recovery of the singer’s mobile phone is likely to play a pivotal role in uncovering communication details, last contacts, and possible evidence of negligence.

For Assam, the arrests mark the beginning of what could be a long and emotional legal battle. For millions of Zubeen’s fans, it is a step toward justice for the man whose voice defined a generation.