Senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday raised sharp questions over the Assam government’s handling of the investigation into the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, pointing to what he described as serious contradictions between official statements made in India and findings shared by authorities in Singapore.
Addressing the issue, Gogoi said the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore government have clearly stated that Zubeen Garg’s death was due to natural causes and that there was no evidence of foul play. In contrast, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly claimed that the singer was murdered, including statements made on the floor of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Gogoi questioned why two official narratives are so different. He asked why the Assam government continues to use the word “murder” when Singapore authorities have ruled out any criminal angle. He also referred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Assam government, which even travelled to Singapore as part of the probe. 
According to Gogoi, during the final hours of Zubeen Garg’s life, around 18 to 20 people were reportedly present. However, the SIT questioned only five people and allowed the others to leave. He asked why those individuals were not examined and whether any effort was made to protect certain people.
Raising serious concerns, Gogoi asked whether the government was trying to save someone or hide facts. “Who is actually presenting a false picture to the public?” he asked, demanding clarity and transparency in the investigation.
Earlier in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to questions from the media on the issue and said that the investigation being carried out by authorities in Assam into the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg is completely separate from the proceedings taking place in Singapore. Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said both investigations are being conducted under different legal systems and should not be mixed or compared.
The Chief Minister said he would not comment on observations or submissions being discussed in Singapore’s coroner’s court, stating that it is not appropriate for political leaders to speak on matters that are under judicial consideration. “Whatever is being reported in the media, I have also read the same. Our investigation is different, and theirs is different,” Sarma said. He added that the Singapore Police have already completed their probe and submitted their report, which is now being examined by the court there, while Indian agencies are carrying out their own investigation as per Indian law.
