Assamese Singer Zubeen Garg Drowns in Singapore Waters
Assamese singer Zubeen Garg tragically drowned near Singapore's Lazarus Island. The incident occurred after he entered the water without wearing a life jacket while heavily intoxicated. Channel News Asia reported these details on Wednesday, citing findings from a coroner's court.
Details from the Coroner's Inquiry
Singapore's chief investigating officer presented evidence to the coroner's inquiry. The officer stated that Zubeen Garg, aged 52, boarded a yacht at Marina at Keppel Bay on September 19, 2025. Approximately twenty friends and colleagues accompanied him on the vessel.
Witnesses observed Garg drinking gin, whisky, and stout during the yacht trip. The yacht had anchored between Lazarus Island and St John's Island. Garg initially swam while wearing a life jacket that was too large for him.
He returned to the boat stating he felt tired. However, Garg then re-entered the water alone. He declined a smaller life jacket offered to him and began swimming toward Lazarus Island.
People on the yacht shouted for him to return. Garg turned back toward the boat but then became motionless in the water. He floated face down before anyone could reach him.
Rescue Attempt and Medical Response
Boat passengers rescued Garg from the water and immediately administered CPR. The Police Coast Guard arrived within nine minutes but found no pulse. Paramedics rushed him to Singapore General Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead at 5:15 PM.
An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Toxicology results revealed important details about Garg's condition at the time of the incident.
The report showed Garg had medication for hypertension and epilepsy in his system. No other drugs were detected. However, his blood alcohol concentration measured 333mg per 100ml.
This alcohol level exceeded Singapore's legal limit of 80mg by more than four times. Singapore police stated they do not suspect any foul play in the singer's death.
Coroner's Proceedings and Family Concerns
The inquiry under Singapore's Coroners Act is expected to record a neutral finding such as "misadventure." Coroner Adam Nakhoda presided over the proceedings.
Coroner Nakhoda noted that some lines of questioning were not relevant to the circumstances of death. He allowed Garg's uncle Manoj Kumar Borthakur to question witnesses directly during the inquiry.
About thirty-five witnesses are slated to testify in the case. These include yacht passengers, the captain, police officers, and paramedics who responded to the emergency.
Borthakur addressed the court with emotional testimony. He stated that Garg had left his hotel "alive and full of promise" on the day of the incident.
Family members expressed concerns about possible delays or lapses in the medical response. Garg's wife Garima Saikia Garg raised similar concerns but was unable to attend the proceedings in person.
Parallel Investigation in Assam
Meanwhile in Assam, a Special Investigation Team has taken action regarding Garg's death. Police have chargesheeted seven people in connection with the case.
The charges include murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators allege financial motives behind the incident.
Those arrested include festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma. Also arrested were Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg, two personal security officers, drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and singer Amritprabha Mahanta.
The tragedy occurred just one day before Garg's scheduled concert. He was supposed to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore.
