Musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami has been taken into custody by Assam Police in connection with the tragic death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away on September 19, 2025, during a swimming incident in Singapore. Garg had traveled to attend the Northeast India Festival.
Shekhar Jyoti Goswami: Background
Shekhar Goswami is a drummer and long-time bandmate of Zubeen Garg. Beyond his musical talents, he is also a sound engineer, music producer, and computer hardware engineer, according to his social media profiles.
Goswami was reportedly present with Zubeen during his final moments in Singapore. After returning to India, he spoke to local media, detailing the incident.
According to Goswami, after Zubeen went swimming, he was floating face-down in the water. He said he turned the singer over and noticed white liquid coming out of his mouth and nose. He reportedly tried to support Zubeen’s head but noticed it drooped side-to-side with any movement, after which he called for help.
SIT Probe Into Zubeen Garg’s Death
The Assam government set up a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by CID Special DGP Munna Prasad Gupta, to investigate the singer’s death.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned that if the SIT findings are unsatisfactory, the government would recommend a CBI inquiry.
The SIT is examining all individuals present with Zubeen, including members of the Assam Association in Singapore and organizers of the Northeast India Festival.
Autopsy and Funeral
A post-mortem examination in Singapore confirmed drowning as the cause of death. A second autopsy was conducted at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on September 23, with results still awaited.
Zubeen Garg was cremated in Sonapur, Assam, with full state honors and a 21-gun salute. Chief Minister Sarma, MP Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, other officials, and thousands of fans paid tribute. The final ceremony included a collective rendition of Zubeen’s iconic song “Mayabini”.
