Guwahati, 11 October (HS): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has released fresh updates in the ongoing probe into the death of acclaimed Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. Addressing the media on Saturday, Additional Director General of Police (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta outlined major progress and clarified the legal and procedural constraints involved in the cross-border investigation.

Gupta emphasized that Indian investigators cannot operate independently under foreign jurisdictions. All actions abroad, he explained, must be carried out through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). Every piece of relevant information has been officially routed to the Attorney General’s Office in Singapore,” he said, adding that coordination is actively underway with the Indian High Commission there.

He further noted that Singaporean authorities have reiterated that Indian officials are not permitted to conduct investigation activities on-site. However, diplomatic channels are being used for coordination and data sharing. “Our request for assistance has been sent through the Ministry of Home Affairs and has reached the appropriate legal offices in Singapore,” Gupta said.

On the forensic front, the CID has received the viscera report, which has been forwarded to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for detailed examination. A special medical committee has been set up to cross-verify viscera findings with the postmortem report. Gupta mentioned that once both analyses are aligned, a consolidated report will be submitted to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma within two days.

To ensure transparency, officials said portions of the report would also be shared with selected journalists and political representatives. Notices have been issued to Assamese expatriates linked to the case, with eleven names recorded so far. One individual has already appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Gupta also confirmed that two of Garg’s personal staff members have been arrested and are under interrogation within the legal 14-day remand period. Reiterating CID’s commitment, he stated, “We are determined to conduct a fair, transparent, and conclusive investigation, examining every domestic and international angle involved.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash