Zubeen Garg death case proceedings in Guwahati are entering a crucial phase, with Singapore-based Assamese residents who were present during the singer’s final moments expected to appear before the Special Fast-Track Court in the coming weeks. According to the prosecution, some of these witnesses are considered important to the trial because they were present during the yacht outing in Singapore on September 19, 2025, when Zubeen Garg drowned.
The development comes as the court continues to examine prosecution witnesses in the high-profile case. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar has said that the Singapore-based Assamese eyewitnesses are expected to depose between the middle of September and the first week of October.
Singapore witnesses hold key role
The expected appearance of the Singapore-based witnesses could add an important dimension to the Zubeen Garg death case. Several Assamese residents living in Singapore were reportedly present during the yacht trip connected to Garg’s death.
The prosecution has indicated that these witnesses are different from those whose evidence has already been recorded during the ongoing trial. Kamar said 89 witnesses had been examined over 44 working days by August, while the Singapore-based Assamese witnesses who were eyewitnesses to the incident would be summoned subsequently.
Their evidence could help the court assess the sequence of events surrounding Garg’s final swim, the circumstances on the yacht and what happened immediately before he became unresponsive in the water.
Trial progresses in Guwahati
The Special Fast-Track Court, presided over by Judge Sharmila Bhuyan, began day-to-day witness examination in June after charges were framed against seven accused. All seven pleaded not guilty. The accused include North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s former manager Siddharth Sharma, musicians Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahanta, his cousin Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeshwar Bora and Prabin Baishya.
The Assam Police SIT had filed its chargesheet after investigating the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death. The case includes allegations involving murder, criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offences. The prosecution and defence are now presenting their respective positions through witness examination and cross-examination.
What Singapore inquiry found
The Zubeen Garg death case in Assam is proceeding separately from the inquiry conducted by Singapore authorities.
Garg died after drowning in waters near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025. He had travelled to Singapore in connection with the North East India Festival and had joined a yacht outing before the event.
Singapore’s State Coroner later ruled that Garg’s death was an accidental drowning and found no evidence of foul play. The Singapore Police Force also said its investigation had concluded without finding evidence of foul play.
Evidence presented during the Singapore coroner’s inquiry indicated that Garg had consumed alcohol, initially wore a life jacket while swimming and later entered the water without one. Witnesses told the inquiry that he became unresponsive while swimming back towards the yacht.
The findings from Singapore are expected to remain an important part of the broader context as the Assam trial examines the allegations against the accused.
Earlier Singapore witness appeared before SIT
The role of Singapore-based Assamese witnesses has been under scrutiny since the early stages of the investigation. Rup Kamal Kalita, an Assamese resident of Singapore who was reportedly part of the yacht outing, had earlier appeared before the Assam Police SIT for questioning.
At the time, investigators had also sought statements from other Assamese residents who were present during the incident. The process of securing evidence from people based abroad involved legal procedures because the incident occurred in Singapore.
The prosecution’s latest position suggests that the upcoming court appearances will involve witnesses who can provide direct accounts relevant to the events surrounding Garg’s death.
Focus shifts to eyewitness testimony
The Zubeen Garg death case has attracted intense public attention in Assam, where the singer remains a major cultural figure. The fast-track proceedings were established to enable day-to-day hearings and speed up the trial.
As the trial moves towards the testimony of Singapore-based eyewitnesses, their statements are likely to receive close attention from both the prosecution and defence. The court will ultimately assess their evidence alongside forensic material, documents, earlier witness accounts and other evidence placed before it.
With the Singapore-based witnesses expected to testify from mid-September, the upcoming phase could become one of the most closely watched stages of the Zubeen Garg death case. Their evidence may help the court establish a clearer account of the events surrounding the singer’s final hours, while the final determination of responsibility will rest with the court after considering the complete evidence.