Zubeen Garg's Wife Calls for Government Intervention in Singapore Court Proceedings
Garima Saikia Garg, the wife of late singer Zubeen Garg, issued a strong appeal on Thursday. She made this appeal through a Facebook post. Garima urged both the Central government and the Assam government to take immediate action. She wants them to monitor the Singapore Coroner's Court proceedings at the highest level.
Garima specifically called for urgent diplomatic and legal steps. She emphasized the need to ensure every fact reaches the court. The singer's wife also pressed the Centre and the state to pursue prosecution in India without any delay. She stressed there should be no dilution in the legal process.
Assam Chief Minister Maintains Distance from Judicial Process
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refused to comment on the Singapore proceedings. He made this statement on Thursday. Sarma said he has only read the same media reports as everyone else. He pointed out that the matter is entirely under Singapore's legal process.
The Chief Minister noted this process differs from the one underway in Assam. Sarma added that political leaders should keep their distance from matters under judicial consideration. This statement came as two jurisdictions move on separate tracks in the investigation.
Family Raises Detailed Questions in Coroner's Court
Earlier on Wednesday, Zubeen's uncle Manoj Kumar Borthakur placed a series of questions before the Coroner's Court. He was assisted by two state prosecutors. Borthakur sought clarity on multiple aspects of the case.
The questions covered how the yacht outing was planned. They also addressed Zubeen's medical condition at the time. Borthakur inquired about safety measures on board the yacht. He asked about the circumstances in which Zubeen entered the sea.
Borthakur further questioned the words spoken aboard the yacht. He wanted to know the response of those present when Zubeen showed visible distress while swimming. The uncle highlighted visible negligence in circulated videos showing people attending to Zubeen.
He questioned the timing and adequacy of medical assistance. Borthakur also raised concerns about the scope of the preliminary finding of "no foul play." In a Facebook post, Borthakur said the family requested a chronological account of events from the first to the third day.
The family asked Singapore authorities to share investigation materials. They wanted relatives and the people of Assam to gain a clear understanding. The judge responded that such exchanges may not be possible during the ongoing case but could be discussed later.
Witnesses Testify in Transparent Court Proceedings
Borthakur reported that five witnesses were examined on Wednesday. These included chief investigating officer Lim Yong Jiang. Expatriate Assamese Rupkamal Kalita also testified. Yacht operator Chu Kong Kiong appeared as a witness.
Pathologist Dr. Chu Chizong gave testimony. The yacht's driver completed the list of witnesses. Borthakur described the proceedings as running continuously from 8.30 am to 5 pm. He said the court felt extremely transparent and impartial.
The remaining witnesses will be heard on February 2 and 3. After this, the judge may deliver his order. Channel News Asia reported on Wednesday that the chief investigating officer told the Coroners Court specific details.
The officer stated Zubeen drowned in waters off Lazarus Island. He said Zubeen refused a life jacket. The court also heard that Zubeen got drowned while being intoxicated. Toxicology tests detected medication for hypertension and epilepsy but no other drugs.
Parallel Investigations Continue in Singapore and Assam
Earlier, the Singapore Police force initiated suo motu investigations. Last month, they stated they did not suspect any foul play. Their findings were submitted to the state coroner. The coroner began hearings on Wednesday.
The result of these hearings will be made public after their conclusion. In Assam, an Assam Police SIT has pressed charges against seven people. They face allegations of murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The SIT cited alleged financial motives. The arrested individuals include North East Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. Zubeen's former manager Siddharth Sharma is among those charged. Cousin Sandipon Garg also faces charges.
Two personal security officers are named in the case. Drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amritprabha Mahanta complete the list of arrested individuals. The case continues to develop in both Singapore and Indian jurisdictions.
