Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia has requested President Droupadi Murmu to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, led by a High Court judge, into the mysterious death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19 while attending the Northeast India Festival, under circumstances that have raised questions.

Saikia highlighted Garg’s opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and his participation in anti-CAA protests, suggesting this may have made him a target.

He also raised concerns over alleged coercion before Garg’s travel, contradictory statements by festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, and Garg’s seizure disorder, which should have restricted him from water activities without proper safeguards, pointing to possible foul play.

In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the State Police to probe the case.

The SIT will work with forensic samples from Garg’s viscera, sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory in Delhi, to ensure a thorough investigation.

CM Sarma assured that the probe would be conducted with complete professional integrity, stating that “no one will be spared” in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death.