Investigation into Zubeen Garg's Death Leads to FIR Against MLA Akhil Gogoi

The investigation into the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has taken a new turn with the filing of an FIR against MLA Akhil Gogoi. Allegations suggest that Gogoi circulated unverified details of the chargesheet on social media. Garg, who died on September 19 during a yacht trip in Singapore, was set to perform at the North East India Festival. The SIT has charged four individuals with murder, while the investigation continues to unfold amidst claims of foul play. This article delves into the details surrounding the case and the implications for those involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:17 IST

FIR Filed Against Akhil Gogoi

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has lodged a first information report against Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi. This action follows allegations that Gogoi shared unverified information regarding the chargesheet on social media, according to a police official.

Zubeen Garg, a celebrated figure in Assamese music, tragically passed away on September 19 while on a yacht trip in Singapore, just a day before he was set to perform at the North East India Festival.

On December 12, the SIT submitted a chargesheet to a court in Guwahati, accusing four of the seven arrested individuals of murder.

On Wednesday, Gogoi, who serves as the representative for the Sivasagar Assembly constituency, posted details about the charges against the accused on Facebook, asserting that this information was part of the SIT's chargesheet.

In a social media post on Thursday, Gogoi expressed, 'I have learned that the government has initiated a case against me for disclosing the chargesheet related to Zubeen.' He added that despite being unwell, he would travel to Guwahati to address the case.

The event where Garg was meant to perform was organized by the Indian government and the Indian High Commission in Singapore, with assistance from the Assam Association and the North East India Association.

A death certificate issued by Singaporean authorities on September 20 indicated that Zubeen Garg's death was due to drowning.

The Singapore Police Force stated on October 17 that they did not suspect foul play in Garg's death after preliminary investigations.

They noted that the investigation could take an additional three months, after which the findings would be presented to the State Coroner, who will decide if a Coroner’s Inquiry is necessary.

However, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently claimed that Zubeen Garg's death was not accidental, labeling it a 'plain and simple murder.'

The four individuals charged with murder include Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival, Garg's manager Siddharatha Sharma, and two musicians who accompanied him on the yacht, Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta.

Additionally, Zubeen Garg's cousin, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, who was with him in Singapore, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while two of the singer's personal security officers are accused of criminal breach of trust.

Munna Prasad Gupta, the head of the SIT, revealed on December 12 that the primary chargesheet consists of approximately 2,500 pages. When combined with supplementary documents, including bank statements, digital evidence, and forensic reports, the total reaches around 12,000 pages.