Assam CM calls Zubeen Garg’s death a ‘murder,’ SIT to file chargesheet by mid-December
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the death of singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg a “murder,” as investigations continue in both Singapore and Assam. He said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case will submit its chargesheet by mid-December.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sarma said he no longer viewed the incident as an accident. “I will not refer to Zubeen Garg’s death as a mishap. We need to submit the chargesheet in Zubeen Garg’s murder before December 17. I have set a target of December 8,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that since the case involves an incident abroad, the state police require approval from the Union Home Ministry before filing the chargesheet. “I have informed Home Minister Amit Shah so that the approval can be expedited. Once we get the clearance, we will file the chargesheet on December 8, 9, or 10,” Sarma said.
The SIT is investigating the case under sections related to criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and causing death by negligence, with murder charges later added.
So far, five people have been arrested, including Garg’s manager, the Singapore festival organiser, two of his bandmates, and his cousin who accompanied him to Singapore. Two of Garg’s personal security officers were also arrested separately for possessing alleged disproportionate assets under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Singapore Police are conducting a parallel investigation under the Coroners Act, 2010. In a statement last month, they said preliminary findings “do not suspect foul play,” and noted that their investigation may take at least two more months to conclude.
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Karnataka Muslim Convention to be held as scheduled on May 16, say organisers
Bengaluru: Organisers of the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ have clarified that the programme will be held as scheduled on Saturday, May 16, at 10.30 am at Town Hall in Bengaluru, and urged the public not to pay attention to rumours regarding any change in the event.
In a joint statement, convention coordinators Suhail Ahmed Maroor, Tanveer Ahmed and Yahya Damudi said there is no change whatsoever in the programme and that all preparations are in the final stage.
The convention is being organised by the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Sanghatanegala Okkoota.
According to the organisers, more than 45 Muslim organisations, associations and jamaats from different parts of Karnataka have extended support to the event and have assured active participation.
The organisers said the state government has withdrawn the restriction on hijab, but noted that nine other major demands of the Muslim community are still pending.
They said the convention is being held to urge the government to fulfil these constitutional demands without further delay.
