GUWAHATI : Assam Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has demanded a high-level judicial probe into the untimely death of singer Zubeen Garg, questioning the state government’s failure to ensure his safety despite his stature as Assam’s foremost cultural icon.

Calling Zubeen “the embodiment of Assam’s identity, culture, and youth aspirations,” Saikia said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has long described himself as an admirer of the singer, bore a “heightened responsibility” to protect him.

“The Chief Minister had earlier expressed concerns about Garg’s safety, even hinting at possible conspiracies. Why then were special protection and dedicated medical care not provided? He has been in power for five years,” Saikia asked.

The Congress leader further revealed that he has written to the Singapore High Commissioner and the President of India, seeking a judicial review supervised by a Guwahati High Court judge. He has also urged the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure transparency.

Highlighting the need to preserve Zubeen’s legacy, Saikia called for the digital preservation of the singer’s voice to prevent misuse and demanded full legal and administrative support for his wife and family to protect their rights over his creations.

“All kinds of assistance must be extended so that his family can safeguard ownership of Zubeen’s works,” Saikia said. His remarks come at a time when the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the circumstances surrounding Garg’s sudden death, which has triggered an outpouring of grief and raised widespread demands for accountability