Assam Bars Festival Organiser Following Zubeen Garg’s Death

Guwahati | September 24, 2025 In the wake of superstar Zubeen Garg’s sudden death in Singapore during the North East India Festival, the Assam government has announced strict action against festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Mahanta would be barred from holding any events in Assam and blacklisted from receiving government sponsorships or advertisements. The state will also urge the Government of India not to extend any financial assistance or backing to Mahanta or his associated events. Mahanta heads Trend MMS Private Limited, responsible for organising cultural festivals including the North East India Festival in Singapore, as well as similar events in Thailand, Vietnam, and New Delhi. He also serves as a director in several other companies. Zubeen Garg had been invited to the Singapore festival as a cultural ambassador and to perform, representing Northeast India. His untimely death triggered widespread mourning in Assam, along with public anger directed at Mahanta and Garg’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma, over allegations of negligence and mismanagement. Reports suggest that Garg, who had pre-existing health issues, faced breathing difficulties while swimming on a yacht during the trip. Singapore authorities listed the cause of death as drowning. Multiple complaints have since been filed across Assam, prompting the state police to register a case on September 20 at the CID police station. Mahanta, Sharma, and others are being investigated under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and causing death by negligence. Following the tragedy, the festival’s organising team distanced itself from the incident. They stated that most members were attending a business meeting with Singaporean industrialists and policymakers when they were informed of the accident by Garg’s manager. According to the organisers, the local Assamese community in Singapore had taken Garg on the yacht outing without prior knowledge or consent of the festival team. The Assam government’s decision underscores its commitment to ensuring accountability in event management and public safety, especially for cultural ambassadors representing the region internationally. By barring Mahanta and his associates from future events and sponsorships, the state aims to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances leading to Garg’s death and holding responsible parties accountable. The state government’s actions signal a strict stance against negligence in high-profile cultural events, emphasizing the importance of safety measures for participants and artists. This move by Assam authorities has been widely welcomed by Garg’s fans, who continue to mourn the loss of the celebrated singer while demanding thorough inquiry and justice for the mishandling that preceded his death. Assam Bars Festival Organiser After Zubeen Garg’s Death Following the sudden death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore during the North East India Festival, Assam has barred festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta from holding events in the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Mahanta will also be blacklisted from government sponsorships and financial support, with a request made to the central government to extend this ban nationally. Garg reportedly faced breathing issues while on a yacht, leading to drowning. Multiple complaints have been filed, and police are investigating negligence and culpable homicide. Authorities emphasize accountability and safety in all cultural events moving forward.