Zubeen Garg death case: CM Sarma declines comment, says people will shape 'Zubeen Divas'
Synopsis
On the first death anniversary of Assam's beloved singer Zubeen Garg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pointedly declined to comment on the court proceedings into his death — leaving the legal questions unanswered while handing the question of 'Zubeen Divas' back to the people. Hundreds gathered at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur as the state observed a three-day commemorative programme.
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma refused to comment on the judicial proceedings into Zubeen Garg's death, citing the active court case.
Sarma said 'people will decide' how Zubeen Divas is observed, with the government pledging to follow public sentiment.
The Assam BJP organised blood donation camps across the state on 19 September 2026 as a tribute to the singer.
Hundreds of fans and artistes gathered at Zubeen Khetra, Sonapur for the first death anniversary commemoration.
A three-day programme from 17–19 September featured religious and cultural events including Bhagawat recitation and Bhaona performances.
Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 in Singapore , a day before a scheduled performance at the NorthEast Festival.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, 19 September 2026 declined to comment on the ongoing judicial proceedings into the death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, saying the matter was before the court and that he would not speak on it in his capacity as Chief Minister. Speaking to reporters in Guwahati on the first death anniversary of the cultural icon, Sarma also said the future of 'Zubeen Divas' observances would be shaped by the people of Assam, not the government alone.
What CM Sarma Said
'The judicial proceedings are underway. As Chief Minister, I cannot comment on a matter that is before the court,' Sarma said, firmly drawing a line between his political role and the legal process. On the annual commemoration, he added: 'People will decide how Zubeen Divas will be celebrated. Wherever the people go, the government will go in that direction.'
His remarks came during a visit to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in Basistha, Guwahati, where he participated in a blood donation programme organised as a tribute to the late singer. State Minister Keshab Mahanta and several BJP workers were also present at the event.
BJP's State-Wide Tribute
The Assam BJP organised blood donation camps across the state on Saturday to honour Garg's memory. The initiative spanned multiple organisational districts, with party workers and office-bearers participating in large numbers. The blood donation drive was framed as a service-oriented tribute befitting the singer's broad public legacy.
Mass Commemorations at Zubeen Khetra
Hundreds of fans, family members, and fellow artistes gathered at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur to mark the first death anniversary. Attendees offered prayers, lit lamps and incense, and sang Garg's songs at the memorial site. A bust of the singer at his residence in Kahilipara, Guwahati was decorated with flowers, and a temporary memorial space was set up for admirers to pay their respects.
The three-day commemorative programme, which began on 17 September, concluded on Saturday. Religious and cultural activities, including Bhagawat recitation and Bhaona performances, formed part of the observances.
Background: Zubeen Garg's Death and Its Aftermath
Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 during a sea outing in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at the NorthEast Festival. His sudden passing triggered widespread grief across Assam and beyond, alongside public demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. He left behind an extensive body of work spanning Assamese and other Indian-language music and cinema.
Judicial proceedings into the case are currently underway, though the Chief Minister's refusal to elaborate on the matter underscores the sensitivity of the ongoing legal process. The anniversary commemorations reflect the enduring emotional bond between Garg and his millions of admirers across the state.
Point of View
But its deployment on a high-emotion anniversary, in front of cameras, signals that the case remains more legally live than official communications have let on. Handing the question of 'Zubeen Divas' back to 'the people' is also a deft move: it neutralises any charge of government appropriation of a cultural figure while keeping the BJP's tribute machinery — blood donation camps, memorial visits — fully visible. The unanswered question is what the judicial proceedings have established about the circumstances of Garg's death in Singapore, a year on from when public demands for an investigation first erupted.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma say about the Zubeen Garg death case?
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declined to comment on the ongoing judicial proceedings into Zubeen Garg's death, stating that as Chief Minister he could not speak on a matter that was before the court. He made the remarks on 19 September 2026, the singer's first death anniversary.
How did Zubeen Garg die?
Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 during a sea outing in Singapore, a day before he was to perform at the NorthEast Festival. His sudden death triggered widespread mourning in Assam and demands for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
What is 'Zubeen Divas' and who decides how it is observed?
'Zubeen Divas' is a commemorative day marking the memory of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. CM Sarma said the state government would follow the wishes of the people in deciding how the day is observed, adding 'wherever the people go, the government will go in that direction.'
What events were held on Zubeen Garg's first death anniversary?
A three-day commemorative programme from 17 to 19 September 2026 was held, with hundreds gathering at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur for prayers, lamp-lighting, and singing. The Assam BJP also organised blood donation camps across the state, and a floral tribute was laid at the singer's bust in Kahilipara, Guwahati.
Are there ongoing legal proceedings into Zubeen Garg's death?
Yes, judicial proceedings into the circumstances of Zubeen Garg's death are currently underway, according to Chief Minister Sarma's own remarks on 19 September 2026. The details and status of those proceedings were not disclosed by the Chief Minister, who cited the active case as his reason for declining comment.
