Trial Continues in Zubeen Garg's Death Case: Key Witness Testifies
Key Testimony in Zubeen Garg's Case
A file image of Zubeen Garg (centre) in the yacht in Singapore on September 19. (Photo:X)
Guwahati, Sept 25: As the legal proceedings regarding the death of renowned Assamese artist Zubeen Garg unfold, Abhimanyu Talukdar, an Assamese expatriate who was present during Garg's last moments in Singapore on September 19, clarified that he was not the organizer of the yacht party where the incident occurred.
Talukdar, who serves as the president of the Assam Association, made this assertion after giving his testimony before Justice Soumitra Saikia on Thursday, dismissing rumors that he had established a WhatsApp group to coordinate the event.
“I have stated this previously. I did not organize the event. The claims about me creating a WhatsApp group for the gathering are false. Additionally, my statements alone are not sufficient; the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is looking into all aspects, including the formation of the group and my involvement,” he explained.
Reflecting on the events of September 19, Talukdar mentioned that he confirmed his attendance for the yacht gathering around 10:30 AM and arrived at the location by 2 PM.
He recounted witnessing Garg enter the water twice, first while wearing a life jacket and then without it. “I saw Zubeen Garg jump into the water with a life jacket initially. The second time, he attempted to enter without the jacket. He appeared happy and did not express any concerns about his health to me,” Talukdar stated.
According to him, another individual from Singapore quickly went to assist Garg while he stepped inside the cabin to wash his hands. The incident transpired during the brief period he was away.
“When I returned, I realized something was wrong, and Garg was unconscious,” he added.
Talukdar noted that the Singapore Coast Guard arrived at the scene within 10 to 15 minutes following an emergency call, and two armed officers trained in CPR were on-site.
When questioned about Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma and bandmate Shekharjyoti Goswami, both implicated in the case, Talukdar confirmed they were part of the group when Garg was transported to the hospital. However, he could not recall their presence when Garg entered the water.
Talukdar mentioned that he was invited to the yacht gathering by fellow Assamese expatriate Tanmoy Phukan.
He also refuted claims of directly providing alcohol to Garg, stating, “I only gave Shyamkanu Mahanta what he requested, and that was two days prior to the incident.”
Talukdar revealed that he had spent only about two years in Assam, from 1992 to 1994, before relocating abroad. “During that time, we were fans of Jitul Sonowal and knew little about Zubeen Garg,” he remarked, adding that he recognized Garg as a famous singer but had only recently learned of his extensive catalog of around 40,000 songs.
He also expressed ignorance regarding any health issues Garg may have had.
“Our responsibility is to present the truth in court and to ensure that justice is served. That is why we have come here voluntarily,” Talukdar concluded.
He further mentioned that accused individuals Amritprava Mahanta and Sandipan Garg were also present on the yacht.
Earlier in the trial, another witness, Sushmita Goswami, who traveled from Singapore to testify, discussed geo-tagged videos from the yacht party and the first emergency call made from her phone to the medical team. Her testimony contributed to the evidence regarding the sequence of events leading to Garg's death.