“This Is Zubeen’s Assam, Won’t Allow It To Become Nepal”: Himanta Sarma

Sat Sep 27 12:04:09 UTC 2025: **News Article: Assam CM Orders Lookout Notices, Freezes Assets in Zubeen Garg Death Probe**

**Guwahati, Assam:** Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a crackdown related to the investigation into the death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who reportedly drowned in Singapore on September 19. Lookout notices have been issued for Shyamkanu Mahanta, organizer of the North East Festival, and Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s manager, and their bank accounts and credit facilities have been frozen, according to the Chief Minister.

In a Facebook Live session, Sarma urged Mahanta and Sharma, along with others who have been issued summons by the SIT, to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by October 6, warning of intensified police action if they fail to comply. Those who have been issued summons include: Singapore-based Devjyoti Hazarika, Tanmay Phukan, Bhaskar Dutta, Wajid Ahmed, Siddhartha Bora, Abhimanyu Talukdar, Rupkamal Saikia, and Pariksh Sharma.

The Chief Minister stated the government’s intention to prevent the two men from evading investigation by remaining abroad. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order and cautioned against attempts to exploit the tragedy for political unrest. “This is Zubeen’s Assam. We will not allow this to become Nepal,” Sarma declared, referencing the recent political instability in Nepal, and asserted his commitment to delivering justice for Zubeen Garg.

Sarma also announced that the state government will cease funding any future events organized by Mahanta.

Garg’s death has sparked widespread grief and protests across Assam. Sarma acknowledged the public’s anger and assured that those responsible for Garg’s death will be brought to justice. He concluded by appealing for patience and trust in the state’s institutions, noting the 2026 election implications. “We know that if we cannot deliver justice to Zubeen, then people might not vote for us in 2026. And if we fail, people should not vote for us.”

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