Assam: Manager Siddhartha Sharma and Festival Organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta Arrested in Delhi in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Assam Police arrest Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta in Delhi

In a crucial breakthrough in the probe into the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, Assam Police have arrested two individuals connected to the alleged incident. Siddhartha Sharma, Garg’s manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta of the NEIF were arrested in Delhi on October 1, 2025. Both have been remanded to 14 days of police custody by a Guwahati court, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigates the circumstances that led to the singer’s premature death.

The Tragic Incident

Date of Death: November 19, 2025
Location: Singapore
Cause: Drowned while swimming in the sea without a life jacket, ignoring lifeguard warnings

Zubeen Garg was in Singapore to participate and perform at the North East India Festival (NEIF), a cultural celebration of North East Indian music, art, and heritage. His sudden death stunned fans and the music community across India, particularly in the Northeast, where he had a massive following.

The tragedy prompted immediate questions about the festival’s safety measures and whether organisers were negligent. Authorities have faced mounting pressure to hold accountable anyone responsible for lapses that may have endangered the singer’s life.

The Arrests

Following the incident:

Lookout Notices: Assam Police issued notices against Mahanta and Sharma, who were reportedly in hiding.
Arrest Details:
- Shyamkanu Mahanta – apprehended at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport upon arrival from Singapore.
- Siddhartha Sharma – arrested from an apartment in Gurugram.
Custody: Both were brought to Guwahati and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, who ordered a 14-day police remand for continued interrogation.

The SIT, led by Assam’s Special Director General of Police (CID) MP Gupta, is probing the roles of Sharma and Mahanta in Garg’s death. Investigators are focused on understanding what happened during the event, including organisational responsibilities and whether duties were properly assigned to the manager and organisers.

Investigation and Charges

Charges:
- Culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Sections 30/80)
- Other relevant sections under the law
Focus of Investigation:
- Possible negligence or breach of safety protocols
- Foul play or other contributing factors leading to drowning

These arrests mark a key stage in a high-profile case, attracting significant public attention due to Garg’s stature and the reportedly shocking nature of his death. Police have emphasised that the investigation is ongoing, and further questioning of other individuals linked to the festival could follow.

International Cooperation

Since the incident occurred in Singapore, the case has an international dimension:

Indian authorities have invoked a bilateral cooperation agreement with Singapore.
Evidence collection includes CCTV footage, witness statements, and other materials from the scene.

This cooperation highlights the gravity and complexity of the investigation and underscores the government’s commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry. It also emphasises the need for international collaboration in incidents that span multiple nations.

Public and Media Reaction

Many fans expressed relief that authorities acted decisively to ensure accountability.
Social media and news platforms have been abuzz, with supporters hoping for justice and safety lessons for future public events.
Concerns have been raised about transparency and the speed of the investigation.
The SIT has assured the public of an impartial and thorough investigation, stating that everyone involved directly or indirectly will be held accountable.

Safety and Event Management Concerns

The incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols at public events, especially in:

Unfamiliar settings such as beaches or foreign countries
Roles of festival organisers, security personnel, and managers responsible for performers’ safety

Expert Recommendations:

Conduct thorough risk assessments
Implement appropriate safety measures and deploy experienced lifeguards
Establish backup plans for emergencies

In Garg’s case, investigators are examining whether organisers failed to provide necessary support, and if such lapses contributed to the tragic outcome.

Looking Ahead

The SIT is likely to expand the investigation, involving more witnesses, festival staff, and officials who may have relevant information.
Procedural lapses or inaction are being scrutinised to determine accountability.
For fans and the singer’s family, there is hope for clarity and answers regarding the circumstances that led to Garg’s untimely death.

The arrests of Mahanta and Sharma represent a significant step, signalling that authorities are serious about uncovering the truth.

Conclusion

The arrests of Siddhartha Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta mark a pivotal moment in the Zubeen Garg death case. The SIT is reconstructing the timeline of events to establish the exact sequence that led to the singer drowning.

While the news provides some solace to fans seeking accountability, it also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities involved in organising public events and safeguarding artists.

As investigations continue, further updates are expected in the coming weeks. The public is keenly awaiting new developments in what has become one of the most high-profile cases in Assam and the Northeast music scene.

Ultimately, the investigation aims to: