Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the Assam Police Singapore investigation can proceed without any officer traveling abroad. Speaking to reporters in Guwahati on Sunday, he explained that all necessary data and cooperation from foreign agencies can be managed through central government channels.
Sarma stated, “There is no need for the Assam Police to go to Singapore. The investigation can be completed efficiently using official communication with international agencies.” His remarks came after reports suggested links between a cyber fraud case in Assam and a few Singapore-based entities.
CM’s Stance: No Physical Probe Abroad
At a press briefing following a meeting with Garg’s family, CM Sarma said Assam police cannot investigate in Singapore because the force lacks jurisdiction abroad. “Assam Police cannot go to Singapore, so it cannot take up the investigation there,” he told reporters.
He added that unless the Assamese individuals present in Singapore during the incident come forward, the investigating team cannot “join the dots.”
Legal Tools: MLAT and Domestic Machinery
Rather than deploying police abroad, the Assam government and the Centre have invoked legal channels. They have initiated the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to facilitate cross-border cooperation in evidence sharing and questioning.
In addition, CM Sarma announced that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department (IT) will probe financial irregularities tied to the festival organizer, Shyamkanu Mahanta.
Meanwhile, the state established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a judicial commission to handle the case domestically. The commission will be headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of Gauhati High Court.
Diaspora Role: CM Appeals to Assamese in Singapore
CM Sarma has urged Assamese nationals in Singapore to cooperate with the investigation. He appealed to them to return or assist remotely so that investigators can piece together what happened.
Sarma also cautioned eight individuals who were reportedly on the yacht with Garg: appear before Assam’s SIT by a stipulated date or face legal consequences.
One person has already confirmed he will come to Assam, while others remain hesitant.
Challenges Ahead: Evidence, Jurisdiction, Trust
Sarma admitted the investigation faces serious challenges. Without direct access to Singapore’s crime scene, investigators must rely heavily on shared records, statements, and cooperation.
He defended police claims that statements by accused persons—such as an alleged poisoning claim by a bandmate—are part of the ongoing inquiry, not final verdicts.
The viscera and forensic reports, expected by October 10, may shed more light on the cause of death.
Public trust remains critical. Many demand transparency in every step—from evidence sharing under MLAT to how the judicial commission operates.
State and Central Coordination
While Assam manages on its home ground, the Centre’s role is vital in securing Singapore’s cooperation under international law. The MLAT invocation underscores the central government’s involvement.
Furthermore, probes by ED/IT point to a broader investigation beyond just the death — looking into financial links and organizational accountability.
What This Means for Assam’s Policing Strategy
By rejecting the idea of sending Assam police abroad, the CM signals a clear boundary in law enforcement jurisdiction. It also reflects a shift toward using legal diplomacy and institutional frameworks over direct action in sensitive international cases.
If the investigation succeeds, the model may become a precedent for future cross-border cases involving state subjects from India.
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