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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Watch: Tusker rescued from 20-foot well in Sullia after 16-hour operation
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Mangaluru (PTI): A lone tusker that had fallen into an abandoned 20-foot-deep well in Dakshina Kannada district was successfully rescued after forest officials constructed an earthen ramp, allowing the animal to walk out safely, officials said.
The incident occurred when the elephant, aged about 30 years and roaming in the forested Sampaje range of Sullia taluk in the Western Ghats, accidentally fell into the well in the early hours of Monday and was rescued at around 4 pm the same day, they said.
Initially, when the operation began, officials suspected it was a calf. But midway through the rescue, as it made its way out, they realised it was actually an elephant.
The animal remained trapped inside the well for nearly 16 hours before being rescued, officials added.
Huge relief, the elephant is out of the well.
— Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) April 13, 2026
The animal has moved into nearby plantations instead of heading back to the forest. Forest teams remain on high alert.#ElephantRescue #Karnataka https://t.co/ZCLU6COXTv pic.twitter.com/begPVx1oki
According to officials, acting swiftly, the Karnataka Forest Department created a gradual ramp from the bottom of the well to ground level using earth-moving equipment, ensuring a safe exit path for the animal.
After spending about 16 hours inside the well, the elephant walked out safely using the ramp and disappeared into the nearby forest, officials said.
A wild elephant trapped in a well in Peraje, Sullia. Rescue underway. Forest officials on-site for hours, digging to bring the animal out safely. Prayers for the gentle giant. #elephants #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/GZ7yp7pA8q
— Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) April 13, 2026
Forest department officials told PTI that the tusker did not sustain any injuries despite the fall and remained healthy and alert throughout the operation.
They monitored the animal as it climbed the ramp and returned to its natural habitat.
The timely intervention prevented any harm to the elephant and highlighted the swift response of the forest team in wildlife rescue operations in the Western Ghats region, which is known for human-elephant conflict incidents.
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