Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday urged the people of the state to remain calm regarding the case of cultural icon Zubeen Garg's death. He assured the people of Assam that the probe would be completed within 15 days and his government "wouldn't hesitate" to seek a CBI investigation to "uncover the truth". The sudden demise of actor-singer Garg has provoked his fans, who are suspecting foul play.Zubeen Garg was in Singapore for the North East India Festival (NEIF) and died while on a sea outing on September 19. His song Mayabini Raatir Bukut was turned into an anthem as the entire state grieved the loss of its collective treasure.The report of the autopsy conducted in Singapore stated drowning as the cause of Zubeen's death. However, his fans are alleging conspiracy and negligence, and multiple FIRs have been filed across the state against his manager, Siddhartha Sharma, and NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta.A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, to investigate the cause and the circumstances leading to Zubeen Garg's death.Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state government would recommend a CBI inquiry if at any stage the SIT probe into singer Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore is found to be "unsatisfactory". He appealed to people to have faith in the SIT probe and not circulate rumours on social media, which, according to him, could hamper the investigations.The SIT is committed to investigating this case thoroughly, and if it fails on any account, ''We will not hesitate to hand over the case to the CBI," PTI reported Himanta as saying. "Our stand is clear that we will uncover the truth of what happened that day by all possible means, and we will not compromise in this matter in any way."The SIT and a team from Assam CID on Thursday raided the residence of Shyamkanu Mahanta in Guwahati, according to an ANI report.The house of his manager, Siddhartha Sharma, has also been raided.Indicating that the SIT was into a time-bound probe, Himanta said the investigation was expected to be completed within 15 days."Within 10 to 15 days, once the investigation is complete, all answers will be provided," he was quoted as saying by The Assam Tribune.The Assam CM said the SIT would question those who had accompanied Zubeen — members of the Assam Association in Singapore and organisers of the NEIF — and ''this will take some time".The CM said when NEIF's chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta returns to Assam, he will be summoned and interrogated."Investigations will proceed step by step, following proper legal processes," Sarma said.He urged people to be patient, saying, "If anyone wants instant justice, we will fail in court, as it does not function on emotions but demands facts and evidence.""It is, therefore, the SIT's responsibility to collect every piece of evidence that is required by court," Sarma said, urging people to cooperate with the investigations."We all love Zubeen equally, so let us allow the investigation to move forward in a steady, disciplined and transparent manner. We must remain alert and cautious against rumours and false information, as this will only divert the main issue of finding what exactly had happened," Sarma said.The CM claimed that six years ago, he had publicly stated that Zubeen was an asset to the state, but certain people were using him for their personal gain or advantage.''I had personally told Zubeen about it and also mentioned it in a few meetings. I have made several such statements on social media and several other occasions…I had raised concerns about those persons surrounding him who are now being questioned by the public," he added.Sarma claimed that during the last Lok Sabha elections, Mahanta ran a social media campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.''I have never spoken to him. He sent me numerous messages, but I never replied. Assam is a small state and one is bound to cross paths at some place or the other," he said.''Let me make it clear, whether it is Rongali or the NEIF, Mahanta does not represent the true culture of Assam," Sarma said.The Assam government has banned Mahanta and any organisation associated with him from holding any functions or festivals within the state.The state government will not provide any financial grant, advertisement or sponsorship to any event with which he is associated, either directly or indirectly, and will also request the central government not to extend any financial assistance or sponsorship to him in any manner.
Will seek CBI probe into Zubeen Garg's death if needed: CM Himanta urges calm
