Garima Saikia Garg Receives Succession Certificate for Zubeen Garg's Estate
Succession Certificate Granted to Garima Saikia Garg
A file image of Garima Garg during Zubeen Garg’s last rites in Kamarkuchi. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, July 1: In the wake of the legal proceedings following the passing of Assam's beloved cultural figure Zubeen Garg, his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, was officially granted the succession certificate for his estate on Wednesday, establishing her as the legal heir to his financial holdings.
The court had finalized the succession certificate on June 22, but it was only presented to Garima on Wednesday due to her absence on the earlier date.
"The court has formally handed over the succession certificate to Garima Saikia Garg. The District and Sessions Judge issued the order on June 18, and the process was completed on June 22. However, it was delivered today as she was not present then," stated Special Public Prosecutor and advocate Pradipta Talukdar.
The proceedings revealed that despite a prolific career spanning nearly thirty years, during which he recorded approximately 40,000 songs and made notable contributions to music and cinema, Zubeen Garg left behind modest financial assets.
Reports indicate that Garg's total financial assets are valued at Rs 9.63 lakh, which includes Rs 4.51 lakh in two accounts at Mumbai Chartered Bank, Rs 1.67 lakh in an ICICI Bank account located at Fancy Bazar, and Rs 3.45 lakh invested in mutual funds.
With the succession certificate now issued, Garima is legally empowered to manage and access these assets.
During a press interaction on Wednesday, Garima became emotional as she reflected on her husband's altruistic nature.
"This is an emotional struggle for me. I never anticipated facing a day like this. It is an incredibly challenging time. I will carry on the work Zubeen aspired to do. He always said, 'I keep nothing for myself, and I will also leave nothing behind for myself.' I will fulfill my responsibilities and continue to serve the community as he wished," she expressed.
When asked about the relatively small amount remaining in his accounts, Garima explained that Garg never aimed to amass wealth.
"He never focused on himself. I learned to live as he did, while others managed these affairs. Perhaps our mistake was placing too much trust in people," she remarked.
The issuance of the succession certificate marks the conclusion of the legal process, allowing Garima Saikia Garg to oversee the late singer's financial estate.
Previously, on June 24, Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar mentioned that at least Rs 32 lakh received from various Bihu committees for Garg's performances had allegedly not been fully transferred to him.
This information surfaced after a thorough review of financial records and transactions associated with Zubeen Garg's former manager, Siddharth Sharma, who is among the primary suspects in the ongoing investigation into his death.