Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi levelled serious allegations on October 19, 2025, against the Assam government's handling of the probe into the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, claiming that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted not to uncover the truth but to shield Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's alleged ties to key accused individuals. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a public condolence ceremony for Garg in Guwahati, Gogoi accused the SIT of prioritising image management over justice in the case, which has gripped the state since the musician's untimely demise on September 19 while swimming off Singapore's coast.

Garg, 51, a cultural icon celebrated for his contributions to Assamese music and social activism, had travelled to the city-state to perform at the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF), an event organised by the Assam Association of Singapore. His death, initially ruled accidental, has sparked widespread speculation and demands for transparency amid reports of possible foul play.

Gogoi specifically pointed to Shyamkanu Mahanta, the NEIF organiser and a figure reportedly close to the Chief Minister, and Siddharth Sharma, Garg's manager, both of whom are now in judicial custody in Singapore on unrelated charges. "The SIT was formed to hide Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s relation with Shyamkanu Mahanta and the BJP’s relation with Siddharth Sharma, and not to find out how Garg died," Gogoi asserted, urging full disclosure of their backgrounds and connections. He further criticised Sarma's personal oversight of the investigation, suggesting it reflected a focus on protecting political interests rather than pursuing accountability.

The MP's remarks come as Assam Police, in coordination with Singaporean authorities, continue their inquiry, which has included forensic analysis and witness statements. However, critics, including Gogoi, argue that the probe's pace and scope have been hampered by jurisdictional challenges and potential conflicts of interest, fuelling public distrust in the BJP-led administration.

The condolence event at Guwahati's Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra drew thousands, transforming the venue into a makeshift shrine where attendees paid homage through prayers, floral tributes, and the release of a memorial book chronicling Garg's legacy. Leaders from various opposition parties, including the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), joined the gathering, though AJP chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi urged restraint from politicising the tragedy.

"Garg raised his voice whenever there was any injustice in society. We have to build a society that he dreamt of," Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, emphasising the need for an impartial revelation of facts over partisan blame. The outpouring of grief underscores Garg's profound influence; his songs, like "O Mur Apunar Desh", became anthems for Assamese identity, and his advocacy on issues from environmental conservation to ethnic rights resonated across the Northeast.

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As the investigation unfolds, Gogoi's accusations highlight deepening political fissures in Assam, where the ruling BJP faces scrutiny over governance transparency ahead of upcoming elections. With Garg's family and fans calling for a thorough, independent review—potentially involving central agencies—the case risks escalating into a flashpoint for regional discontent. Authorities have yet to respond formally to the claims, but the SIT's forthcoming report could determine whether suspicions of a cover-up dissipate or intensify, leaving a lasting shadow over a loss that has already united a grieving public in mourning one of India's most beloved voices.

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