In a significant development in the high-profile murder case of beloved Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police has informed a court that a massive investment of Rs 1.1 crore in a packaged drinking water plant, using funds allegedly embezzled from the singer, was a prime motive behind his premeditated killing in Singapore in September 2025.
Court Petition for Asset Attachment
The revelation came to light on Saturday when SIT chief Investigating Officer Rosie Kalita filed a petition before the Kamrup district court. The petition sought an immediate "attachment and forfeiture" of the water unit, named Mahabir Aqua Water Plant, which is located in Chaygaon, approximately 40 kilometers from Guwahati.
Kalita argued in court that if the attachment order is not granted promptly, the prime accused, Siddharth Sharma—who was Zubeen Garg's former manager—and his business partner Chetan Dhirasaria might liquidate the plant's assets. She warned that any future court order for victim compensation "will not hold good" if the assets are disposed of.
Judge's Order and Key Observations
Taking note of the SIT's urgent submission, Judge Gautam Baruah ordered that formal notices be issued to Siddharth Sharma and Chetan Dhirasaria. The accused have been directed to explain by January 17 why the water plant should not be attached by the court.
In his detailed order, Judge Baruah explicitly noted the SIT's finding that the Rs 1.1 crore investment by Sharma originated from money misappropriated from Zubeen Garg. The judge stated that this financial misconduct was among the chief motives to plan and execute the singer's murder. "Benami transactions and money laundered by Sharma is the crux of the issue," the judge observed during the hearing.
Details of the Alleged Financial Misconduct
The court was informed that Siddharth Sharma, who earned a monthly salary of Rs 57,000 until November 2022, routinely collected the singer's show fees in cash. The SIT alleges that Sharma siphoned off substantial amounts from these earnings over time.
The accused, including Sharma, were produced before the court from jail via video conferencing. The other individuals named in the case are:
- Shyamkanu Mahanta, the Singapore festival organizer.
- Sekhar Goswami, a band member.
- Co-singer Amritprava Mahanta.
- Zubeen Garg's cousin.
- Two of the singer's Personal Security Officers (PSOs).
The SIT's move to secure the asset underscores the prosecution's strategy to establish a direct link between the alleged financial fraud and the extreme violence that led to the singer's tragic death, ensuring that proceeds of crime are preserved for justice and potential victim compensation.
