Family of Zubeen Garg Seeks Special Court to Investigate Death

The family of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who tragically passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore, has formally requested the intervention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish a special court for an expedited trial. In a letter addressed to Modi, the family described Garg as “a cultural voice of Assam and India’s North-East,” emphasizing the need for clarity in the circumstances surrounding his death.

Garg’s demise has sparked widespread grief among his millions of fans and left his family seeking justice. The singer, known for hits like “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster, died while attending the North East India Festival in Singapore. According to initial reports from the Singapore Coroner’s Court, Garg was “severely intoxicated” and drowned after declining to use a life jacket during a yacht party.

Family’s Urgent Plea for Justice

In their letter, Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen’s wife, articulated the family’s anguish and their commitment to uncovering the truth. “His sudden and untimely demise has left behind not merely a grieving family, but millions seeking lawful action in Assam and across the globe,” the letter stated. The Indian High Commission in Singapore promptly coordinated the post-mortem and other related procedures following the incident.

The family filed a formal FIR with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Assam, leading the state government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the case. The letter highlights the SIT’s extensive inquiry, which resulted in a charge sheet exceeding 2,500 pages that invoked sections related to murder.

In their correspondence with the Prime Minister, the Garg family outlined five specific requests aimed at ensuring a thorough investigation. They called for the constitution of a special court in India to guarantee focused adjudication, the appointment of experienced prosecutors, and the fast-tracking of the trial process. They also insisted that none of the accused should be granted bail until justice is served.

Legal and Diplomatic Actions

The family urged the Government of India to engage diplomatically with Singapore to monitor proceedings in the Coroner’s Court and ensure that all relevant materials and testimonies are accessible to Indian authorities. They emphasized that these inquiries are lawful and a fundamental right of the family seeking clarity in the wake of their loss. “Every lawful avenue has been explored with dignity and responsibility,” the letter asserted.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Assam government has approved the appointment of a team of Special Public Prosecutors to handle the case. This team will include experienced legal professionals tasked with ensuring the case is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

The events leading to Garg’s death have raised significant questions regarding safety measures and emergency responses during the yacht party. Witnesses reported seeing him attempt to swim back to the yacht before he became unresponsive. Despite immediate attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead later that day.

As the investigation continues, the family remains committed to pursuing justice for Zubeen Garg, asserting their trust in the Prime Minister’s office to address their concerns with the urgency and transparency they seek. “We place our trust in your good office to ensure that this matter is pursued with the seriousness, urgency, and moral weight it deserves,” they concluded in their letter.