Justice Soumitra Saikia-led commission receives a second extension as it continues examining the circumstances surrounding the Assamese music icon’s death in Singapore and alleged lapses linked to the incident
Guwahati: The Assam government has extended the tenure of the one-man judicial commission probing the death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg by another three months, allowing the panel additional time to complete its investigation.
According to an official notification, the commission headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court will continue for a further three months with effect from July 4, 2026, or until the submission of its report, whichever is earlier. This is the second extension granted to the commission. It was constituted on October 3, 2025, with an initial six-month deadline, which was first extended by three months from April 4.
Besides probing the facts and circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore on September 19, 2025, the panel has been tasked with determining whether there were any lapses, negligence, acts of omission or commission by any individual or institution, and whether any external factors, including foul play, conspiracy or unlawful acts, contributed to the singer’s death.
Meanwhile, the criminal investigation remains underway. The Assam CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) launched its probe after more than 60 FIRs were registered across the state.
Several individuals, including NEIF chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma, band members, security personnel and a police officer, have been arrested and charged under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including murder, criminal conspiracy and causing death by negligence.
Although the Singapore Police Force and a Singapore Coroner’s Court concluded that Zubeen Garg drowned after becoming severely intoxicated and found no evidence of foul play, Assam authorities have maintained that the findings will not affect the ongoing judicial and criminal proceedings in India.
