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Key Points

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that both the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department will investigate financial irregularities connected to festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta. The CM revealed that authorities are coordinating with central agencies to ensure a transparent probe into matters related to Zubeen Garg's untimely death. Singapore resident Rup Kamal Kalita is expected to arrive in Guwahati to join the investigation, while other witnesses remain reluctant to cooperate. The government is utilizing the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Singapore and considering passport cancellation for those who refuse to participate in the inquiry.

Key Points: Assam CM Sarma Announces ED IT Probe in Zubeen Garg Death Case

  • ED and Income Tax Department to probe financial irregularities linked to festival organizer
  • Singapore resident Rup Kamal Kalita expected to join investigation in Guwahati
  • Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty invoked for Singapore probe findings sharing
  • Passport cancellation considered for uncooperative NRI witnesses in case
2 min read

Zubeen Garg death: ED, I-T Dept to probe irregularities linked to festival organiser, says CM Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma reveals ED and Income Tax investigation into festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta's financial irregularities linked to Zubeen Garg's death.

"I am confident that the ED and IT Department will look into the financial discrepancies connected to Shyamkanu Mahanta - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Oct 6

Pressure continues to build on the North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, who remains in police custody for his alleged involvement in the untimely death of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) Department will soon begin a probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to Mahanta.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said the state government is already in touch with both central agencies to ensure a professional and transparent investigation.

“I am confident that the ED and IT Department will look into the financial discrepancies connected to Shyamkanu Mahanta. We are working closely with them to make sure that no one involved in Zubeen Garg’s death is able to evade responsibility,” he said.

The Chief Minister also remarked that Mahanta was known for cultivating connections with influential individuals.

“His primary job seemed to be taking photographs with various people. If the pictures stored on his mobile phone are made public, they will include politicians, journalists, and many others. However, such photos have no relevance to the ongoing probe. We also have records of several individuals who travelled with him to Bangkok, but those details are unrelated to this case,” Sarma added.

On the ongoing investigation, Sarma revealed that Rup Kamal Kalita, an Assamese resident of Singapore, is expected to arrive in Guwahati on Tuesday to join the inquiry.

“We hope the others will follow soon. Some are still unwilling to return, but we are maintaining pressure as their statements are vital for concluding the investigation quickly,” he said.

The Chief Minister clarified that Assam Police will not visit Singapore, as they lack jurisdiction in another country.

“The Centre has already invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and Singapore. Through this, the Singapore government will share the findings of its probe into Zubeen Garg’s death with Indian authorities,” he said.

Sources said the CID had issued notices to eight Assamese NRIs based in Singapore who were present on the yacht during the incident. Except for Kalita, none have responded so far.

The state government may consider strict measures, including passport cancellation, against those who refuse to cooperate with the investigation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
CM Sarma is handling this well. The mention of Bangkok trips and photos with influential people shows there's more to this story. Hope the investigation reaches its logical conclusion.
D
David E
As someone following this case from outside India, I appreciate the use of MLAT with Singapore. International cooperation is crucial in such cross-border investigations.
A
Ananya R
Why are the other NRIs not cooperating? If they have nothing to hide, they should come forward. Cancelling passports is the right step - no one is above the law. Zubeen da deserves justice! 💔
M
Michael C
While I support thorough investigation, I hope this doesn't become a political witch-hunt. The focus should remain on finding what actually happened to Zubeen Garg, not on unrelated financial matters.
K
Karthik V
The comment about "primary job being taking photographs" seems unnecessary and personal. Investigation should stick to facts. Still, glad to see multiple agencies involved for transparency.

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