Guwahati, 02 October (HS): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has added Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — pertaining to murder — to case number 18/2025 registered in connection with the death of Assam’s legendary singer Zubeen Garg.

Earlier, the case included BNS Sections 61(2), 105 and 106(1). With the addition of Section 103, the case now carries provisions that could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty if the accused are convicted.

The development marks a significant shift, as Zubeen’s death was initially described as an accident. However, after videos of the incident in Singapore’s waters surfaced, fans and the public of Assam insisted that it was a case of murder. Even Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had earlier referred to the incident as an accident, later publicly called it a “murder.”

On October 1, SIT officials began interrogating event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma, who were brought to Guwahati. During questioning, CID reportedly recovered a bag from Sharma containing tablets and documents. The tablets will undergo testing to determine their use.

The SIT is now probing critical questions about the night of September 18: where the party was held, who organized it, who attended, the circumstances on the yacht and why Zubeen was taken into the sea. Investigators are also questioning Mahanta about financial irregularities and his role in arranging Zubeen’s Singapore visit.--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash