Guwahati: Assam chief minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday told the state Assembly that singer Zubeen Garg’s death was “plain and simple murder”, asserting that the ongoing investigation has already identified the key accused.

Intervening during an adjournment motion brought by leader of the opposition Debabrata Saikia and independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, Sarma said the Assam Police was convinced within the first few days that the case involved homicide.

“After the preliminary probe, the police were sure it was not culpable homicide. It was plain and simple murder. That is why section 103 of the BNS was added within three days of his death,” he said.

According to Sarma, the Special Investigation Team under the CID has arrested seven people so far, examined 252 witnesses and seized 29 items. “One of the accused killed Garg and others helped him. Four to five people are being booked. The motive behind the crime will shock the people of the state,” he said.

The chief minister added that the chargesheet in the murder case will be filed in December, after which the probe will widen to examine possible negligence, criminal breach of trust and other angles. He claimed the SIT would submit a “watertight chargesheet”.

Garg, 52, died on 19 September while swimming in the sea in Singapore. The SIT is probing the circumstances of his death, while a parallel inquiry led by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court is collecting statements and evidence. The commission, which began work on 3 November, has extended its deadline for submissions to 12 December.

Sarma requested the Assembly to allow the discussion on the singer’s death while noting that the Treasury benches would not join the debate and would only provide the government’s formal response. Speaker Biswajit Daimary admitted the motion and cautioned members against remarks that could affect the ongoing investigation.

Across Assam, Garg’s 53rd birth anniversary earlier this month was observed with emotional tributes as the probe continues.