Zubeen Garg death case: Singapore Police doesn’t suspect foul play in preliminary probe

In a formal statement released Friday, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) stated that preliminary investigations have found no evidence of foul play in the death of well-known Assamese musician Zubeen Garg. However, the investigation could take up to three months to complete.

“The SPF is aware of the speculation and false information circulating online regarding the circumstances of Mr Zubeen Garg’s death. The case is currently being investigated by the SPF, in accordance with Singapore’s Coroners Act 2010. Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play,” the statement, which is available on SPF’s official site, read.

Garg died in Singapore on September 19 before a concert he was set to perform at. Following his demise, the Assam Police arrested seven individuals, including the late singer’s brother, on charges of murder.

“After about three months, the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore, who will then determine whether to hold a Coroner’s Inquiry (CI). A CI is a fact-finding process led by a Coroner, a judicial officer of the courts, to establish the cause and circumstances of death. Its findings will be made public upon conclusion,” the SPF said.

The SPF has already submitted its preliminary findings, along with Zubeen’s autopsy report, to the High Commission of India in Singapore on October 1.

“The SPF is committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation into the case, and this takes time. We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved. Meanwhile, we urge the public not to speculate or spread unverified information,” the statement further said.

The Assam government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inside the state police’s Crime Investigation Department (CID). The SIT is anticipated to provide its report by the end of November or the beginning of December, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement on Thursday.

After meeting with Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner Alice Cheng and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday, Sarma said that a group of Assam Police officials would travel to Singapore on October 21 to speak with the SPF about the matter. A Kamrup district court remanded the other two to 14 days of judicial prison on Friday, while five of the detained individuals were placed in judicial jail on Wednesday.