The Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is considering involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (I-T) Department in its investigation into alleged large-scale financial irregularities linked to event manager Shyamkanu Mahanta, a key accused in the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The CID, already probing Garg’s mysterious death in Singapore on September 19, has uncovered financial irregularities allegedly spanning over two decades. During raids at Mahanta’s home and office on September 25 and 26, officials seized multiple PAN cards registered under the same firm, nearly 30 stamp seals linked to various companies and government offices, and documents related to benami property transactions.
According to sources, teams from the ED and I-T Department have already visited the CID headquarters in Guwahati for discussions, and a formal decision on their involvement is expected soon. “They are likely to join the probe with CID,” said an official, requesting anonymity due to the case’s sensitivity. Mahanta, organiser of the Northeast India Festival, is under investigation for alleged money laundering and fund misuse. Over 60 FIRs have been filed against him and several associates, including Garg’s manager and band members. A nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta is handling the case.
The CID has highlighted Mahanta’s past controversial financial dealings. While serving as Assistant General Manager at the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi), he allegedly cleared loans worth ₹14 crore to a private firm in the early 2000s, which were never repaid. An internal probe was initiated but never completed before his resignation in 2004.Mahanta later founded Trend MMS, an event management company that organised the festival attended by Garg. Investigators are now scrutinising documents related to infrastructure projects under government schemes in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The probe is expected to expand further once central agencies formally join.