The death of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg in Singapore has plunged the state into an outpouring of grief and rage. Known for his soulful voice and timeless hits like Ya Ali, Garg was more than a musician—he was a symbol of Assam’s identity and pride. Thousands of fans thronged Guwahati to pay their last respects as his cremation took place with full state honours.

The Assam government declared three days of mourning, arranged for public homage at Sarusajai Stadium, and allotted land for a memorial. Yet sorrow has quickly turned into anger. Many question the circumstances of his death—reportedly caused by drowning while swimming without a life jacket.

Public pressure has led to a second autopsy in Guwahati, conducted with AIIMS experts. FIRs have been filed against his manager and event organisers. In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT), with the possibility of a CBI probe if required. Assam now awaits answers as it mourns its beloved cultural icon.