Assam’s Congress Legislature Party leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Debabrata Saikia, has raised serious concerns over the investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of controlling and influencing the probe. Saikia has demanded a fully independent and transparent investigation to ensure justice is delivered. Addressing the media, Saikia claimed that the Chief Minister’s remarks on the case have “created confusion” among the public and cast doubt on the authenticity of the ongoing investigation. “From his statements, it appears the investigation may not be entirely transparent,” he said, suggesting that Sarma is receiving “inside information” from the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Saikia pointed out that Sarma initially described the incident as a “murder,” but later hinted that the facts, once revealed, would be “hard for the people of Assam to digest.” The LoP questioned the rationale behind the Chief Minister’s public disclosures, asking, “What exactly has the Chief Minister learnt from the SIT that he is revealing through the media?” The opposition leader also criticized the government for failing to ensure proper security for Garg during his Singapore trip, despite prior concerns raised about the singer’s safety. “If he already knew about the risks, why were adequate safety measures not taken before the artist travelled?” Saikia asked.
Highlighting administrative lapses, Saikia questioned the involvement of the Chief Minister’s direct officers in the investigation. “The Assam CID has capable officers. Why was the Superintendent of CM Vigilance—under the Chief Minister—assigned to the CID?” he asked. He further demanded accountability from Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and expressed disappointment that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had not contacted Garg’s family. Saikia also raised doubts about the search operation at event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta’s residence, questioning whether any magistrate or official witness was present, and how Mahanta’s family re-entered the sealed property. He noted that the Chief Minister had promised shocking revelations on September 10, inviting journalists from Delhi, but the information has not yet been made public.