Explosive details have emerged in the investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, with the remand note exclusively accessed by CNN-News18 revealing a bandmate’s startling testimony alleging a conspiracy to murder and cover up the act.
The key witness, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami (a band member), has accused two individuals, Siddharth Sharma and Shyamkanu Mahanta, of poisoning Zubeen Garg. Goswami claims the choice of a foreign venue, specifically the incident at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore, was an attempt to conceal the murder and frame the death as an accident.
Zubeen Garg, who was in Singapore for the 60th year of the India-Singapore Diplomatic Relations and to celebrate India ASEAN Year of Tourism, passed away on September 19. His autopsy report revealed that he died due to drowning while swimming off a Singapore island.
Key Allegations from Witness Statement
Suspicious Activity & Intentional Endangerment: Goswami stated he saw Siddharth Sharma acting suspiciously in Singapore and alleges Sharma forcibly took control of the yacht, intentionally endangering the passengers.
Preventing Aid: During Zubeen’s distress—when the singer was reportedly frothing at the mouth and nose—Sharma was allegedly heard shouting, “Jabo de, jabo de” (let him go).
Negligence and Cover-Up: Goswami accuses Sharma of dismissing the critical signs, such as frothing, as mere “acid reflux” instead of seeking urgent medical help. Witnesses believe this negligence drastically hastened Zubeen’s death.
Evidence of Pre-Planning: The witness claims Sharma had instructed Tanmoy Phukan not to arrange drinks, stating he alone would provide them. Sharma was also allegedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the liquor and women arranged for Zubeen before the singer fell ill.
Expert Swimmer Claim: Goswami insisted Zubeen Garg was an “expert swimmer” and could not have drowned naturally, reinforcing the belief that his death was not accidental.
Suppression of Evidence: Sharma allegedly instructed Goswami not to share any video footage of the yacht incident with anyone.