Guwahati, Oct 16: In a major development in the ongoing probe into the mysterious death of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the Singapore Police authorities will hold a meeting with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Assam on October 21.

Taking to the social media platform X, Sarma said the meeting signifies a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for the late singer.

“Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October. Our collective resolve remains — Justice for Zubeen will prevail,” he posted.

The meeting will be held between officials of the Singapore Police and the SIT, headed by ADGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who is leading the probe from Assam.

The discussion is expected to focus on the exchange of key evidence and findings related to Garg’s death, which occurred in Singapore under mysterious circumstances last month.

The Assam government had constituted the SIT shortly after the incident to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

The team has been coordinating closely with Singapore authorities and gathering information from individuals connected to Garg’s final days abroad.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most celebrated singers and cultural figures, was found dead in Singapore, triggering an outpouring of grief and anger across the state.

His death has since led to widespread protests, including violent demonstrations in parts of Assam, as fans and civil society groups continue to demand a thorough probe.

Security has been tightened in several areas following clashes near Baksa jail earlier this week, where protestors had gathered. Police have since said the situation is under control.

The upcoming meeting between Singapore and Assam Police is expected to be pivotal in advancing the investigation and uncovering the circumstances that led to the untimely demise of the beloved artist.

Imphal, Oct 16: Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants belonging to different banned outfits and seized drugs worth Rs 7.26 crore, besides apprehending six drug peddlers in separate operations conducted over the past 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

A senior police official said that the six militants belonging to Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were arrested from Imphal West and Imphal East districts.

He said that the hardcore militants were involved in various crimes, including intimidation, forcible collection of subscriptions from people, government employees, contractors and others.

A few arms, incriminating documents, a car and several mobile phones were recovered from the arrested guerrillas.

Besides this, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police, apprehended six drug peddlers and recovered 270 soap cases containing brown sugar weighing 3.636 kg, worth approximately Rs 7.26 crore in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts of Manipur.

The official said that a car, an auto-rickshaw and several mobile phones were also recovered from the arrested drug peddlers.

He said that the security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts.

The movement of over 130 vehicles carrying essential items along Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) has been ensured without any incident during the past 24 hours. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations, and security convoys are provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of vehicles.

According to the official, a total of 115 nakas/checkpoints were set up in different districts, both in the hills and the valley region, to prevent untoward and illegal movements of inimical elements and suspected vehicles.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police are organising a series of events, including a 16 km open and 5 km fun run for male and female categories on October 18 at Imphal as a part of the celebration of the 134th Raising Day of Manipur Police, which falls on October 19.

Mumbai: Mumbai is likely to experience a fresh spell of rainfall and thunderstorms this weekend, bringing some relief from the rising heat but also raising health concerns amid increasing pollution and fluctuating temperatures. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate showers and thundershowers are expected over the city on October 16 and 17, followed by intermittent rain through the weekend.

Neighbouring districts Thane and Palghar have been placed under a yellow alert, with the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds. The IMD said the current weather pattern is driven by an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 35°C, while minimum temperatures may stay near 24°C.

This will be the first rain spell since the IMD declared the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Mumbai on October 10, the city’s earliest withdrawal in seven years. This year, Colaba observatory recorded 2,263 mm of rain, while Santacruz logged 3,112 mm over the season.

However, even as the return of showers may cool down the city, the combination of heat, humidity and pollution could trigger respiratory problems and viral infections. The resumption of construction work post-monsoon has worsened air quality, with the AQI in several pockets of the city remaining in the ‘moderate to poor’ category.

Mumbaikars, especially children, the elderly, and those with weak immunity or respiratory issues, will have to stay cautious over the coming week. Sudden weather changes often lead to common ailments like cold, cough, sore throat, sinus infections and viral fever, which tend to rise before Diwali each year.

– Stay hydrated: Drink warm water and herbal teas to strengthen immunity.

– Avoid street food: Contaminated food or water can cause stomach infections.

– Use masks: Helps protect from dust and airborne particles in polluted areas.

– Maintain hygiene: Frequent handwashing and sanitizing reduce infection risk.

– Eat vitamin-rich foods: Include citrus fruits, tulsi and turmeric to boost resistance.

– Get adequate sleep: A strong immune system depends on proper rest.