HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 22: The mortal remains of Assam’s beloved music icon Zubeen Garg will undergo a second round of post mortem examination on Tuesday morning before his last rites are performed in Guwahati, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday.
The decision was taken following an outpouring of demand from thousands of fans and admirers who questioned the circumstances surrounding the sudden demise of the singer in Singapore last week.
Garg had tragically passed away while swimming in the sea during a visit to the island nation.
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Speaking to reporters, chief minister Sarma said that while the Singapore authorities had already conducted an autopsy, the state government decided to allow a second round of examination to address public sentiment and ensure transparency.
“The autopsy of Zubeen Garg was performed in Singapore, and I have full faith that it was done in an impartial manner as the authorities there have no bias either for Zubeen Garg or for Himanta Biswa Sarma. However, as the public at large want a second round of post mortem here, we have decided to carry it out tomorrow morning at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital,” the chief minister stated.
He added that due permission had been sought and obtained from the late singer’s wife, Garima Garg.
“I asked Union Minister Pabitra Margherita to consult Garima Garg. She conveyed that the state government has the right to decide on the second autopsy, and accordingly, we are proceeding with it. A team of doctors from AIIMS will also be involved in the procedure,” Sarma said.
According to the chief minister, the examination will commence at 7:30 am and is expected to take about one and a half hours.
Following the autopsy, the mortal remains will be taken to the Sarusajai sports complex, from where the final journey to the cremation site will begin.
He also noted that due to the examination, the previously announced funeral schedule has been modified.
While emphasising the need for scientific clarity through the autopsy, Sarma also assured that the funeral procession of the music maestro would be carried out with dignity and respect.
“The last rites of Zubeen Garg will be conducted in a very dignified manner. No disruption by anti-social elements will be tolerated, and strong action will be taken against anyone attempting to create disorder,” the chief minister asserted.
He revealed that some individuals had already tried to create disturbances when Garg’s mortal remains were brought from the airport to the Sarusajai sports complex via the singer’s Kahilipara residence on Sunday.
“The police have identified the people responsible, and they will face punishment in the coming days,” he said.
To ensure a smooth farewell, Sarma announced that the funeral procession would be simple, with only the ambulance carrying Garg’s body and a small bus with his wife, close relatives, and friends allowed to accompany it.
“Just as we brought him from the airport, the journey to the cremation ground will be conducted smoothly. At the cremation site, the mortal remains will be escorted by Assam Police pallbearers, and a guard of honour along with a gun salute will be accorded before the final rites are performed as per the family’s wishes,” he added.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, senior representatives of neighbouring states, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral.
The state government has already declared state mourning till Tuesday in honour of the departed icon.
All schools and colleges across Assam will remain closed on Tuesday, while government offices in Kamrup district will also observe closure as a mark of respect.
Traffic restrictions will be in place to facilitate the funeral, with no vehicles allowed to enter from the Jagiroad side, except those heading towards Meghalaya.
From the Jorabat side, traffic will be curtailed for four to five hours to enable an orderly ceremony.
By opting for a second autopsy and making elaborate arrangements for a dignified farewell, the state government has sought to balance the deep emotional sentiments of Zubeen Garg’s admirers with the solemnity befitting the final journey of one of Assam’s most cherished cultural icons.
