Right to Know: Seeking Clarity in Zubeen Garg’s Untimely Death
Heramba Nath
The sudden and tragic demise of Zubeen Garg, Assam’s beloved cultural icon, has plunged the state into deep grief while simultaneously raising pressing questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Initially reported as a drowning accident during a recreational swim in Singapore on 19 September 2025, the incident has become the subject of intense speculation, leaving fans and citizens alike yearning for clear and verified information. The absence of definitive facts has created a vacuum, and in such moments, the principle embodied by Right to Know Day gains profound relevance. Observed annually on 28 September, Right to Know Day reminds citizens that access to accurate information is not a privilege but a fundamental right, essential for fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in institutions.
Zubeen Garg was more than a singer; he was a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of Assam’s identity and artistic excellence. His music resonated with generations, and his presence on stage brought joy to thousands. That an individual so cherished could depart suddenly and under circumstances shrouded in uncertainty has naturally stirred deep concern. The people’s demand for clarity is rooted not in mere curiosity but in the democratic principle that when a public figure dies, especially in a potentially ambiguous situation, citizens have a legitimate right to know the truth.
In response to public concern, the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry. This decision reflects his respect for the sentiments of Zubeen Garg’s fans and the wider public who are eager to know the truth about the beloved artist’s untimely death. A second autopsy was also conducted at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) to determine the precise cause of death, with viscera samples sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory in Delhi for further examination. These steps highlight the importance of factual evidence in addressing public anxiety. Yet, beyond official procedures, the core issue remains the timely and transparent communication of findings to the public. For the people of Assam, who feel personally connected to the artist, withholding information or ambiguity in reporting only intensifies grief and breeds suspicion.
The observance of Right to Know Day provides a timely lens through which to reflect on this tragedy. The day is a reminder that information is the lifeblood of accountability. When citizens are kept informed, they can engage responsibly, avoid the pitfalls of misinformation, and participate meaningfully in societal discourse. In the context of Zubeen Garg’s death, the principles of this day translate into a moral and civic obligation for authorities to communicate transparently. The community deserves access to verified facts, not rumours or half-truths, so that grief can be processed with clarity rather than clouded by speculation.
The broader societal dimension of this case is equally significant. The public’s insistence on knowing the truth underscores the intersection of cultural, emotional, and civic responsibility. Citizens mourn collectively, and this collective grief amplifies the demand for transparency. Moreover, it illustrates how the right to information extends beyond policy debates and bureaucratic procedures; it is a lived, urgent need, especially when public trust and social cohesion are at stake. The outcome of the investigations, when shared openly, can help restore confidence in institutions, reassuring citizens that truth and justice remain attainable even in moments of uncertainty.
As developments continue, the people of Assam watch attentively, hoping for clarity. Whether the cause of death is ultimately confirmed as accidental or otherwise, the path toward truth must remain unimpeded, guided by integrity and transparency. Honouring Zubeen Garg’s memory is not solely about celebrating his musical legacy but also about respecting the community that revered him by ensuring that justice, facts, and truth are upheld. In this sense, Right to Know Day becomes more than a symbolic observance; it transforms into an active affirmation of the public’s right to information in real-time crises.
The lessons extend beyond this single tragedy. Citizens’ engagement, their insistence on transparency, and their pursuit of verified information highlight the essential role of a vigilant public in a democratic society. Grief, however intense, must coexist with clarity; sorrow must be met with truth. The responsibility of authorities is therefore dual: to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations and to communicate outcomes promptly and honestly. Only through such measures can trust be maintained, speculation quelled, and closure provided to a grieving community.
In commemorating Right to Know Day, the case of Zubeen Garg serves as a poignant reminder that the right to information is inseparable from the right to justice, accountability, and dignity. Access to truth empowers citizens, honours the departed, and ensures that society continues to uphold the principles of transparency and responsibility. Assam’s citizens, in seeking clarity about the circumstances of this beloved artist’s death, are exercising a fundamental democratic right—a right that is both timely and timeless. The pursuit of truth, guided by transparency and integrity, stands as the most fitting tribute to the memory of Zubeen Garg and a reaffirmation of the democratic ideals that Right to Know Day embodies. We hope that the investigation is conducted thoroughly, accurately, and transparently, providing the state and the public with the answers they deserve.