Zubeen Garg case-Sekhar-Goswami-allegations
Last updated: October 4, 2025 (IST)
At a glance
- Bandmate Sekhar (Shekhar) Jyoti Goswami has publicly alleged foul play involving manager Siddharth Sharma and organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. These are allegations, not court-proven facts.
- Assam Police/CID have arrested Sharma and Mahanta; they’ve also taken Goswami and singer Amritprabha Mahanta into custody for questioning as part of the investigation. Charges including murder and conspiracy have been reported. Arrests and FIRs do not equal guilt.
- Singapore Police have shared the autopsy report and preliminary findings with Indian authorities. A second post-mortem was conducted in Guwahati.
- Assam has announced a judicial commission headed by a sitting Gauhati High Court judge to examine the circumstances of death.
Background
Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg died on September 19, 2025 in Singapore while he was in the city for the North East India Festival. The case has drawn intense public scrutiny in Assam and the Northeast, prompting parallel criminal and judicial inquiries.
What Sekhar Jyoti Goswami alleged (and how newsrooms reported it)
Multiple mainstream outlets have reported that bandmate Sekhar Jyoti Goswami alleged poisoning and a conspiracy involving manager Siddharth Sharma and organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. These are Goswami’s claims as reported by the press; they have not been verified by a court or by publicly released toxicology findings.
Editorial note: We are reporting these as allegations attributed to Goswami via media coverage. No authority has publicly confirmed “poisoning” as the cause of death as of October 4, 2025.
Status of the investigation: arrests, charges, and custody
- Arrests of Sharma & Mahanta: Assam Police arrested Siddharth Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta (from Gurugram and Delhi airport respectively) and brought them to Guwahati. Subsequent coverage noted they were booked under IPC sections including murder and criminal conspiracy.
- Custody of bandmate & co-singer: Authorities also arrested Sekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahanta; all arrests are part of evidence-gathering and do not imply guilt.
Official documents: autopsy, second post-mortem, and cooperation with Singapore
- The Singapore Police Force shared the autopsy report and preliminary findings with the Indian High Commission in Singapore—an important step for cross-border cooperation.
- Separately, the Assam government ordered a second post-mortem at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) to address public concern and ensure transparency.
As of publication, specific toxicology details from either autopsy have not been officially released into the public domain via primary documents.
Judicial commission: scope and why it matters
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a judicial commission led by Justice Soumitra Saikia (Gauhati High Court) to examine the circumstances around the death in parallel with the police/CID probe. A commission can call witnesses, review records, and produce a public report, offering transparency beyond routine criminal procedure.
What remains unproven
- Poisoning as cause: Media have reported allegations of poisoning, but authorities have not publicly confirmed it. Readers should treat such claims as unverified until official findings are released.
- Motive and conspiracy: Investigators are exploring multiple angles. Until charge-sheets and court proceedings surface, motive theories remain speculative.
Timeline (September 19 – October 4, 2025)
- Sep 19: Zubeen Garg dies in Singapore; local authorities begin inquiry.
- Sep 22–23: Assam orders second post-mortem at GMCH amid public demand; funeral arrangements proceed.
- Oct 3: Singapore Police share autopsy report with Indian authorities; CID widens probe.
- Oct 3–4: Assam announces judicial commission; arrests and custody actions continue.
FAQ
Did a witness allege poisoning?
Yes—Goswami’s allegation has been reported by mainstream outlets. It is not an established fact.
Has “poisoning” been confirmed by authorities?
No public toxicology confirmation has been released as of October 4, 2025.
Who has been arrested so far?
Manager Siddharth Sharma and organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta; bandmate Sekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amritprabha Mahanta have also been taken into custody in connection with the probe. Arrests ≠ guilt.
What is the judicial commission’s role?
It’s an independent fact-finding panel led by a sitting High Court judge to review the circumstances and recommend actions.
Responsible-publishing disclaimer
This article reports allegations and official actions from credible outlets and government statements. No court has determined guilt. Readers should avoid speculation and rely on updates from law enforcement, the judicial commission, and the courts. We will update this piece as official documents and proceedings become public.
also read: Zubeen*s death – Story behind