Singer Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains begin final journey home as thousands pour on streets for last glimpse, in Guwahati on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: ANI
GUWAHATI:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday (September 22, 2025) that an autopsy will be conducted on the body of popular singer-composer Zubeen Garg at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital at 7.30 a.m. on Tuesday (September 23, 2025). He has also ordered a CID probe. Public pressure had been building for an inquiry.
He said the process will be completed ahead of Garg’s cremation at Hatimura in Sonapur, about 30 k.m. east of Guwahati.
“We decided to conduct a post-mortem because the people of Assam have been demanding it. Fans will be allowed to pay their last respects to Zubeen till midnight so that the post-mortem can be done in time,” he told journalists.
Garg died in Singapore on September 19, during a yacht trip with 17 others, including two crew members. A non-invasive autopsy conducted on the island concluded that the cause of death was “drowning.”
Credible info sought
Multiple first information reports (FIRs) filed across Assam, accused Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma of pushing Garg beyond the limits of his ailing body, causing his death. The former was the organiser of the North East India Festival, where Garg was to perform, and the latter was the departed singer’s manager.
Earlier, the Chief Minister directed the State’s Director General of Police to club all the FIRs and order a probe by the Crime Investigation Department into the superstar’s death.
“Anyone with relevant information regarding Garg’s death should cooperate with the CID,” he said, warning people of strict legal action if they spread unverified or baseless claims on social media platforms.
Rijiju to represent PM
The Chief Minister said Garg will be cremated with State honours. He also said Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the cremation.
Other dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony include Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Speaker of the Assam Assembly, ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, close associates, family members, representatives of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, and the All Assam Students’ Union.
Mr. Sarma said all vehicular movement between Guwahati and Sonapur will be suspended until 4 p.m. on Tuesday (September 23) to ensure a smooth ceremony.
He also said any attempt by pressure groups to close shops or disrupt public order in Garg’s name after 2 p.m. on Tuesday will be dealt with sternly. Officials said that footage of individuals causing disturbances during the past two days has been collected, and those involved will be caught.
Published – September 22, 2025 11:56 pm IST
