Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that the central government has formally invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore. This step was taken to ensure cooperation in the investigation into the death of singer Zubin Garg in Singapore. The Assam government on Monday sent a request to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to invoke the MLAT with Singapore in the case related to Zubin Garg’s death.
The Chief Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “The Ministry of Home Affairs has now formally invoked the MLAT in the case of the unfortunate death of our beloved Zubin in connection with the FIR registered by the Assam Police.” The implementation of the MLAT will ensure full cooperation from the Singapore authorities, including access to case information, assistance in bringing back the accused, and ensuring justice.
Assam Government Forms SIT
The Assam government has constituted a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Special Director General of Police (DGP) M.P. Gupta, to investigate Zubin Garg’s death. The team’s objective is to conduct a thorough investigation into the singer’s drowning death in Singapore on September 19. The investigation will also include coordination with local Singapore authorities. Two Assam Police officers have already been sent to Singapore to obtain cooperation from local authorities and assist in the investigation.
Chief Minister Himanta Sarma stated that the implementation of the MLAT will ensure complete transparency and justice. The team will focus on identifying the accused, their possible extradition, and gathering information available at the scene.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has now formally invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in connection with the FIR lodged by Assam Police regarding the unfortunate demise of our beloved Zubeen. pic.twitter.com/2NZPR940MZ
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 30, 2025
Zubin Garg’s Death and Controversy
52-year-old singer Zubin Garg died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. His funeral was held with state honors in Kamarkuchi, on the outskirts of Guwahati. A second postmortem was also conducted on his body before the funeral to rule out any suspicious activity in his death.
Initial reports suggested that Zubin Garg died while scuba diving. However, his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, clarified that he had a seizure while swimming and that scuba diving was not involved. This statement quelled questions about the nature of his death.
The Need for an Investigation and Public Expectations
Zubin Garg’s untimely death has generated deep public concern and suspicion. His family, fans, and the state government demanded justice and transparency. Chief Minister Sarma stated that the investigation through the SIT and MLAT will be completely impartial and transparent. The aim is not only to provide justice to the deceased’s family but also to reassure the public that the death of their beloved artist is being investigated with due seriousness and due process.
Zubin Garg’s death has sparked grief and concern in Assam and the entire country. The government and police aim to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure appropriate action is taken in honor of the deceased.
