Guwahati, March 25 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has criticized opposition leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi for his comments regarding the quest for justice in the death of singer Zubeen Garg. Sarma stated that Gogoi is "not a judge but just an electoral candidate."

During a campaign event in Lumding, the Chief Minister took issue with Gogoi's claim that justice would be achieved within 100 days if the opposition assumes power, labeling it a politically charged statement.

"Lurinjyoti Gogoi lacks judicial authority; he is simply a candidate in the electoral race. The process of delivering justice lies within the judiciary, not in the hands of politicians," asserted Sarma.

He further accused the opposition of attempting to exploit a delicate matter for political gain.

"Justice is a legal undertaking that cannot be guaranteed through political rhetoric. Such statements can mislead the public and sway voter opinions," Sarma emphasized.

The Chief Minister also questioned Gogoi’s motives, suggesting that the opposition's concern for justice was insincere.

"The opposition is not genuinely focused on justice for Zubeen Garg; they are merely leveraging his name for their political advantage," he remarked.

Gogoi had previously asserted that, should the opposition win in Assam, justice in the Zubeen Garg case would be assured within 100 days.

This exchange of words took place in light of a recent ruling from a Singapore court, which determined that Zubeen Garg's demise was a result of drowning near Lazarus Island last September, clearing any notion of foul play.

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda concluded that the incident was "an unfortunate and tragic drowning" following an extensive investigation by the Singapore Police Coast Guard, as reported in the media.

Zubeen Garg traveled to Singapore to participate in the North East India Festival and passed away on September 19, just before a scheduled performance.

Reports from Singapore suggest that Garg went on a yacht trip and entered the waters near Lazarus Island. Witnesses informed the court that he had consumed alcohol prior to the incident and initially wore a life jacket during his first swim attempt.

However, he later removed the life jacket and declined to wear one for a second swim attempt towards the island.

Despite friends' repeated pleas to return to the yacht, Garg became unresponsive in the water and was brought back aboard, where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

A toxicology report revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 333 mg per 100 ml, indicating significant alcohol intake before entering the water.

These findings by the Singapore court largely corroborate earlier assessments by the Singapore Police Force, which attributed the death to drowning following alcohol consumption and refusal to wear a life vest.