Invoke treaty to seek Singapore’s help to probe Zubeen’s death: Assam to MHA

 

 

 

THE Assam Government has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore in connection with singer Zubeen Garg’s death in the Southeast Asian country, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday. “Once invoked, this will ensure full cooperation from Singaporean authorities -- giving us access to case details and assistance to bring back the accused and secure justice,” Sarma said in an X post. The Assam Government constituted a 10-member SIT, led by Special DGP M P Gupta, to investigate the singer’s death in Singapore due to drowning in the sea on September 19. Two Assam Police officers are likely to visit Singapore soon after the completion of necessary formalities.

 

Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh said MLAT already exists with Singapore, and now MHA will send necessary documents to the Southeast Asian nation, “so that we can seek the help of Singaporean authorities in the investigation”. DGP Singh further said that the CID’s Special Investigating Team (SIT), inquiring into the death of singer Zubeen Garg, will reach its ‘final conclusion’ and the findings will be submitted to the court. The DGP said that a police team is already in Delhi, and two other officers will soon go to Singapore. 

 

ZUBEEN Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, on Monday said that the singer’s family wants to know what had happened in his last moments that led to his death, and that a proper inquiry should be conducted. “We want to know what happened to him, why it happened and how this negligence could be allowed to happen? We want answers,” Garima told reporters after the conduct of the 11th day rituals for the singer here. She said all those who were there with him on the yacht (before his death) and at the event “must answer this”. “Why did they not lift him from the water when they knew he was not in a condition to swim? They could have done so, as it was very easy to distract him,” she said. His manager, Siddhartha Sharma, was aware that Zubeen should not go near water or fire as it could trigger his epileptic seizure, she said. “I want justice! I want a proper inquiry and answers to all our questions. I have full faith in the investigation process,” Garima added.