Singapore Coroner's Court Delivers Verdict on Zubeen Garg's Tragic Death
The long-standing mystery surrounding the untimely demise of beloved Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg has reached a significant legal milestone in Singapore. On Wednesday, the country's Coroner's Court officially ruled the death as an accidental drowning, corroborating the initial findings of the coast guard that no foul play was involved. This verdict, however, stands in stark contrast to the ongoing judicial proceedings in Assam, where the case remains far from closure.
Divergent Legal Paths: Singapore vs. Assam
While Singapore has closed its chapter, the Gauhati High Court in Assam has established a fast-track sessions court to hear the matter on a day-to-day basis. This action follows the filing of a charge sheet by the CID Special Investigation Team in December. The case, currently in a sessions court, will be transferred to this expedited judicial process, highlighting the persistent pursuit of justice within India.
Reacting to the Singapore development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, "The Singapore Coroner's verdict has only reinforced what we have been saying all along. They confirmed Zubeen Garg consumed liquor—with a blood alcohol level of 333 mg—and that he drank the previous night. We too had said the same, except we pointed out that he was made to drink with a motive. Today's judgment proves Assam Police is on the right track. This ruling strengthens our case."
He further emphasized the integrity of the local investigation, adding, "People of Assam will now realise how sincerely we worked, keeping the case away from politics. Had we not gone to Singapore, we could not have achieved this clarity. The bank accounts are here, the evidence is here—there was no point in going abroad. Today's verdict has vindicated our decision."
Assam Police's Stance and Accusations
The Assam Police SIT has named seven individuals as accused in connection with the singer's death. Among them, four face murder charges, one is charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and two others are implicated in financial anomalies linked to Garg. All seven are currently detained in various jails across the state.
In a previous statement made in the assembly last November, CM Sarma had unequivocally declared Garg's death as "plain and simple murder," asserting, "one person killed him and others helped him." This firm position sets the stage for a contentious legal battle as the fast-track court proceedings unfold.
Political Ramifications and Opposition Criticism
With the Singapore verdict now public, Zubeen Garg's death has emerged as a potent rallying point across party lines, especially with state elections scheduled for April 9. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president, Gaurav Gogoi, expressed strong dismay over the ruling, arguing that it has deepened doubts rather than resolving them.
Gogoi recalled the special legal agreement signed between India and Singapore to coordinate investigations post-Garg's death. He noted the Assam Police SIT's visit to Singapore, which had raised expectations of robust information exchange. "The chief minister had stated in the assembly that Zubeen Garg was murdered. At the same time, proceedings were ongoing in Singapore and hearings had begun. However, the Singapore investigation concluded that it was a natural death, and today the court has delivered its verdict based on that finding," Gogoi remarked.
He alleged that the ruling provides relief to the main accused, Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma, and questioned the coordination between the two governments. "People of Assam are now confused. Today's verdict will benefit the accused," he stated, further challenging CM Sarma's earlier electoral promise: "Himanta Biswa Sarma himself had said that if justice is not delivered to Zubeen Garg before the Assembly elections, people of Assam should not vote for the BJP. Does he remember that statement today?"
Gogoi added, "People are finding it difficult to trust the investigation into Zubeen Garg's death. They are watching and wondering what is really happening. Instead of ensuring justice, the BJP has resorted to character assassination of Zubeen Garg. The Chief Minister does not want to speak on this matter. We never expected such a verdict in Zubeen's case, and like us, many others are finding it hard to believe."
Singapore's Detailed Findings and Family's Plea
In Singapore, the Coroner's Court provided a thorough account of the incident. Testimony revealed that on September 19, 2025, Garg had consumed alcohol and refused a life vest before jumping off a yacht. He was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore the following day. Singapore General Hospital had earlier listed drowning as the cause of death.
State Coroner Adam Nakhoda, addressing concerns raised by Garg's widow and uncle, ruled that the singer had voluntarily joined the yacht trip and entered the water to swim. "There was nothing untoward or sinister about the invitation," Nakhoda said, noting that fellow swimmers made every effort to save him. Reviewing video footage, the coroner observed that Garg's strokes resembled "doggy paddling" and indicated exhaustion. "It was apparent he was already exhausted by the short swim. He was unable to get onto the yacht himself and required assistance," he detailed.
ASP Lim reported that a Police Coast Guard boat reached the yacht in under ten minutes, guiding it to Marina South Pier, where an ambulance rushed Garg to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at 5:13 PM. The coroner clarified that there was no delay in administering first aid or in transporting Garg to medical care, ultimately concluding that the death was "simply due to an unfortunate and tragic accidental drowning" with no evidence of force or holding underwater.
Amidst the political turmoil, Garg's uncle, Manoj Kumar Borthakur, who was present at the Coroner's Court, urged political parties via social media not to exploit the singer's name during the election season. "Many are using Zubeen's name to sway voters. I urge them not to do so. Because, during his lifetime, these same people had ignored him," he posted on Facebook, calling for respect and dignity in memory of the late artist.
