Guwahati, Nov 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, made grave allegations on Wednesday concerning the factors that led to the late musician Zubeen Garg enduring significant hardships before his passing. He claimed that the ongoing probe has revealed evidence suggesting that individuals surrounding him intentionally got him intoxicated to exploit his finances.

While addressing the media in Nalbari, Sarma stated that investigators had discovered shocking details revealing that certain acquaintances of the singer habitually provided him with alcohol, aiming to manipulate him for financial gain.

“Zubeen Garg was coerced into drinking alcohol to steal his wealth. Some individuals fed him alcohol for their own benefit. Numerous shocking details have surfaced during the investigation,” the Chief Minister asserted.

He further elaborated that, contrary to the widely held belief about the singer, Zubeen had not been a voluntary drinker. Instead, he was allegedly pressured into drinking during events and performances by those who stood to gain monetarily.

In a particular instance, Sarma noted that during a Bihu event, a committee compensated Zubeen with Rs 5 lakh for his performance, yet under the influence of alcohol, he was led to believe he had only received Rs 2.5 lakh.

“He was intoxicated and believed this to be true, illustrating how certain individuals took advantage of him through alcohol,” Sarma remarked.

The Chief Minister emphasized that his personal experiences with Zubeen did not align with the public perception of him as a habitual drinker. “In the numerous times I met Zubeen in the morning, he was never under the influence. The statements he made at night were merely influenced by those who compelled him to drink,” Sarma pointed out, adding that these claims are substantiated by information emerging from the investigation into his death.

Sarma urged the public to refrain from associating the singer's legacy with alcoholism, stating that the forthcoming chargesheet would provide more clarity.

“I urge the public not to link Zubeen with alcohol. Throughout my life, I met Zubeen over 50 times; he was never intoxicated. The chargesheet will reveal more,” he assured.

Zubeen Garg, a celebrated musician and cultural icon of Assam, passed away earlier this year, sparking significant public discourse and calls for transparency regarding the circumstances leading to his demise.

As the investigation continues, officials have indicated that the filing of the chargesheet will illuminate the events that transpired during the final phase of his life.