GUWAHAT : Post-mortem procedures for celebrated Assam singer Zubeen Garg were completed at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on September 23 morning, with massive crowds gathering both at the medical facility and Sarusajai Stadium as the state prepares for the final farewell of its beloved music icon.

A specialised medical team comprising four expert doctors from GMCH, Pragjyotishpur Medical College, and AIIMS conducted the examination under strict supervision. The entire postmortem was recorded on video to allow thorough analysis.

Senior officials from the state and district administration, along with top-ranking Assam Police officers and Health Department representatives, monitored the proceedings at the hospital. Following completion of all medical procedures, including X-ray examinations, Garg’s mortal remains will be transported back to Sarusajai Stadium in a specially arranged vehicle.

The final journey to Sonapur will commence from the stadium, with appropriate arrangements made for family members to accompany the procession.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced the post-mortem schedule on Monday, emphasising the need for proper medical procedures before cremation ceremonies. He urged citizens with relevant information about Garg’s death to contact CID directly while warning against spreading unverified claims on social media platforms.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ceremony. Other dignitaries expected include the Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Assam Sahitya Sabha representatives, All Assam Students’ Union members, and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Vehicular movement remains suspended until 4 pm Tuesday to facilitate smooth arrangements. Citizens are permitted to line the main roads to pay tribute during the procession.

The Chief Minister issued stern warnings against shop closures or public disorder after 2 pm Tuesday, stating that authorities have collected footage of recent disturbances and will take action against violators, including those involved in incidents at Zoo Road pharmacy.

Garg’s ashes will be handed over to family members immediately following the last rites, concluding the state’s official farewell to one of Assam’s most cherished cultural ambassadors.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction over the delay in conducting the postmortem of legendary singer Zubeen Garg, questioning why the procedure was not carried out immediately after his body arrived in Guwahati. 

He also criticised the dissemination of information through screenshots instead of official statements, calling for greater clarity and accountability.

In response, the Assam state government assured that the postmortem process will be fully transparent, with all arrangements being made to allow fans and well-wishers to pay their last respects.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a second postmortem will be conducted on Tuesday morning at Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH). The first autopsy was conducted in Singapore, where Garg tragically passed away by drowning on September 19. His last rites are scheduled on Tuesday on the outskirts of Guwahati with full state honours.

Sarma clarified that the second postmortem is being conducted not at the behest of the public, but to address concerns raised by certain groups, with the consent of Garg’s wife. “We do not want to create any controversy over Zubeen, so this decision was taken,” he said, emphasising that democracy sometimes requires accommodating minority demands even if personal wishes differ.

The CM added that Singapore doctors, who conducted the first postmortem, possess greater technical expertise, but the procedure at GMCH—conducted by a team of doctors from GMCH and AIIMS, Guwahati—will ensure there is no scope for politicization of Zubeen’s demise. Following the procedure, the singer’s journey to the cremation ground will begin at 9:30 AM, two hours later than previously announced.