Officials say new evidence led to the arrest of DSP Sandipan Garg, shedding fresh light on the circumstances surrounding the Zubeen Garg’s death.
The Special Investigation Team (S.I.T) of Assam Police probing the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, today arrested DSP Sandipan Garg, cousin of the late singer.
Sandipan was taken into custody after being questioned at least 5 times since October 2 by the SIT.
Notably, he was present on the yacht at Lazarus Island in Singapore on the day of Zubeen’s tragic demise in September 19.
With his arrest, the total number of people in SIT custody in connection with the case has risen to 5.
Sandipan will be produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate shortly before being taken into police custody.
Earlier, the S.I.T had arrested Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser of the North East India Festival (NEIF) and Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and singer Amritprava Mahanta in connection with the case.
Earlier on October 7, two constables who were posted as Zubeen Garg’s personal security officers (PSOs) were suspended after financial transactions amounting to Rs 1.1 crore was discovered in their account during interrogation by S.I.T.
The S.I.T unearthed the suspicious money trail while recording the statements of the two cops, head constable Paresh Baishya and constable Nandeswar Bora yesterday. During the investigation, it was found that Rs 70 lakh had been deposited in Bora’s account, while transactions worth Rs 40 lakh were linked to Baishya’s account.
The S.I.T is now probing the origin of the funds and the purpose behind these transactions.
The investigation is being carried out by a nine-member S.I.T led by CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta.
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural icons, passed away on September 19 in Singapore, reportedly while swimming during his visit to the North East India Festival. After four days of mourning, the beloved artist was laid to rest with full state honours at Kamarkuchi, Sonapur, on September 23.
The ongoing probe has gripped the state, as fans and followers continue to seek answers over the sudden loss of Assam’s most loved son.
Also read: Assam CM Urges Cooperation from Assamese in Singapore Over Zubeen Garg Death Probe
