Singapore: Fresh details have emerged in the death of popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg, with reports now confirming that the 52-year-old drowned while swimming in the sea off Singapore, not during a scuba diving session as initially reported.
According to The Straits Times, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has completed its preliminary investigation and shared the findings, including a post-mortem report, with the Indian High Commission. Authorities reiterated that no foul play is suspected in Zubeen Garg’s death, dismissing earlier speculation about a possible criminal conspiracy.
The report also quotes Kai Ling, Assistant Director at Singapore’s Liman Law Corporation, who stated that a coroner’s inquiry may be launched to establish the exact sequence of events. Such an inquiry, she noted, would help clarify how, when, and under what circumstances the drowning occurred.
Garg was found unresponsive in the waters off St. John’s Island on September 19. He was pulled from the sea and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead the same day. His death certificate listed the cause as drowning.
Earlier video footage, shared on social media shortly after the incident, showed Garg putting on a life jacket and jumping into the sea. However, reports suggest that he later removed the life jacket and re-entered the water without it. Following the tragedy, Singaporean authorities urged the public not to circulate related visuals or make speculative claims online.
Garg had travelled to Singapore to participate in the North East India Festival, held in conjunction with celebrations marking 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and the India-ASEAN Tourism Year. All scheduled events were cancelled following his untimely death.
Back in India, the incident has triggered legal action. Assam Police confirmed the arrest of Siddharth Sharma, Garg’s manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of the festival. Both were taken into custody in Delhi and face charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Zubeen Garg was a household name in Assam and a celebrated figure in India’s music industry, known for his powerful vocals, acting roles, and contributions to Assamese and Hindi cinema. His death has left a deep void among fans and the artistic community across the country.
