NEW DELHI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that he will provide all future updates regarding the Zubeen Garg case exclusively through Facebook Live to prevent “miscommunication.”
Zubeen Garg, a prominent Assamese cultural figure, died at the age of 52 on September 19 in Singapore while attending the North East India Festival. In response to his passing, the Assam government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Additionally, a one-member judicial commission has been established to review the “facts and circumstances” related to the incident.
Sarma expressed concerns over media representation, stating, “When I address the press, selected portions are often cut and taken. It may create unnecessary tension among the public.” He emphasized the need for direct communication in the state’s complex environment and assured that all questions from journalists would be addressed only on the social media platform, providing the public a chance to view an “unedited” version.
Garg’s death is under investigation, having occurred under mysterious circumstances while he was swimming in Singapore. The Assam Police CID, currently investigating the case, has arrested several individuals, including Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, and two members of his band, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amrit Prabha Mahanta. Notably, Goswami has alleged that Sharma and Mahanta “poisoned” Garg during the trip.
Over 60 FIRs have been filed across Assam against nearly ten individuals involved, including the festival organizer, the manager, and the two band members among others.
