Drowning or conspiracy? Singapore findings deepen questions over Zubeen Garg’s death

By Nava Thakuria*

For millions of fans of Zubeen Garg, who died under unexplained circumstances in Singapore on 19 September last year, disturbing news has emerged from the island nation. Its police authorities have stated that the iconic Assamese singer died while intoxicated and swimming in the sea without a mandatory life jacket.

The Straits Times, a leading newspaper in Singapore, reported on 14 January that Zubeen, 53, had consumed alcohol, refused a life vest before jumping off a yacht, and ultimately drowned near Lazarus Island. Citing testimony by Singapore Police investigator David Lim during a coroner’s inquiry, the newspaper reported that friends attempted to persuade Zubeen to swim back to the yacht before he suddenly “became motionless and began floating face down.”

The Police Coast Guard officer informed the court that Zubeen was immediately brought back on board and efforts were made to resuscitate him. He was later declared dead at Singapore General Hospital at 5.15 pm local time. The cause of death was confirmed as drowning. Lim said Zubeen had arrived in Singapore to perform at the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF), a major cultural showcase scheduled for 20 September. The officer stressed that the singer did not exhibit suicidal tendencies, nor was he coerced or subjected to duress, adding that Zubeen had ignored repeated reminders by the yacht captain to wear a life jacket.

An autopsy recorded 333 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system, well above Singapore’s 80 mg limit for drink driving. The yacht captain told the court that about 15 people, many associated with the Assam Association Singapore, boarded the vessel at Marina at Keppel Bay and several were already intoxicated. Friends had to support Zubeen while boarding. The newspaper noted that Zubeen was neither compelled to drink nor to enter the water, and that the party was clearly briefed to wear life jackets before swimming.

The Singapore event, held on 19, 20 and 21 September 2025, was linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy and marked 60 years of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore. According to PTI, the festival was organised by Trend MMS with support from the Indian High Commission in Singapore, India’s foreign ministry, governments of the northeastern States, the Assam government and the North East India Association in Singapore. Earlier editions took place in Bangkok (2019 and 2022) and Ho Chi Minh City (2023). Zubeen appeared in promotional material for the event.

While Singapore police have ruled out foul play, his death triggered widespread outrage in Assam, where he was regarded as the region’s most influential musical icon after Bhupen Hazarika. Public pressure led the State government to set up a special investigation team (SIT), which arrested seven individuals, including NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen’s manager Shekharjyoti Goswami, Amritprava Mahanta, his musician partners, and cousin Sandipan Garg, along with two personal security officers. A team travelled to Singapore to collect material for the probe. A more than 2,500-page charge sheet was filed on 12 December and trial proceedings have begun. Security concerns have compelled virtual court appearances from jail for all accused.

Following the latest news from Singapore, Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg urged the Assam and Union governments to monitor court proceedings in Singapore and pursue diplomatic support where necessary. She also demanded a fast-track trial in India given that over 300 witnesses may need to be examined. Opposition Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for earlier alleging a murder conspiracy, arguing that Singapore’s findings contradicted such claims. He asked whom the Assamese public should believe as authorities repeatedly stated there was no evidence of unnatural death.

Responding to the criticism, Sarma said the Assam investigation was independent of Singapore’s and praised the State police for a thorough inquiry. While Singapore authorities found no foul play, the Assam SIT has filed murder charges against four accused. Sarma insisted politicians refrain from speculation since the matter is before the court. A Delhi-based legal expert told this writer the murder case may struggle to stand judicial scrutiny. Should the Singapore verdict precede Indian proceedings, it could undermine the local case and dishearten Zubeen’s followers—many of whom grieved publicly and staged protests demanding justice. As the State approaches assembly elections, the case is likely to remain a highly charged political issue, with large sections of the public feeling let down and anxious for closure.

---

*Senior journalist based in Guwahati

Comments

Academics urge Azim Premji University to drop FIR against Student Reading Circle

By A Representative A group of academics and civil society members has issued an open letter to the leadership of Azim Premji University expressing concern over the filing of a police complaint that led to an FIR against a student-run reading circle following a recent incident of violence on campus. The signatories state that they hold the university in high regard for its commitment to constitutional values, critical inquiry and ethical public engagement, and argue that it is precisely because of this reputation that the present development is troubling.

'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

UAPA action against Telangana activist: Criminalising legitimate democratic activity?

By A Representative The National Investigation Agency's Hyderabad branch has issued notices to more than ten individuals in Telangana in connection with FIR No. RC-04/2025. Those served include activists, former student leaders, civil rights advocates, poets, writers, retired schoolteachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress.

Vaccination vs screening: Policy questions raised on cervical cancer strategy

By A Representative A public policy expert has written to Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda raising a series of concerns regarding the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign launched on February 28 for 14-year-old girls.

The new anti-national certificate: If Arundhati Roy is the benchmark, count me in

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava* Dear MANIT Alumni Network Committee, “Are you anti-national?” I encountered this fascinating—some may say intimidating—question from an elderly woman I barely know, an alumna of Maulana Azad College of Technology (MACT, now Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology - MANIT), Bhopal, and apparently one of the founders of the MACT (now MANIT) Alumni Network. The authority with which she posed the question was striking. “How much anti-national are you? What have you done for the Alumni Network Committee to identify you as anti-national?” When I asked what “anti-national” meant to her and who was busy certifying me as such, the response came in counter-questions.

Minority concerns mount: RTI reveals govt funded Delhi religious meet in December

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India. A recent flashpoint was the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.

Development vs community: New coal politics and old conflicts in Madhya Pradesh

By Deepmala Patel* The Singrauli region of Madhya Pradesh, often described as “India’s energy capital,” has for decades been a hub of coal mining and thermal power generation. Today, the Dhirouli coal mine project in this district has triggered widespread protests among local communities. In recent years, the project has generated intense controversy, public opposition, and significant legal and social questions. This is not merely a dispute over one mine; it raises a larger question—who pays the price for energy development? Large corporate beneficiaries or the survival of local communities?

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

From neglect to progress: The story of Ranavara’s community-led development

By Bharat Dogra Visitors to Ranavara, a remote village in Kherwara block of Udaipur district, are often surprised by its multi-dimensional progress. The village today is known for its impressive school building, regenerated pastures, expanded tree cover, and extensive water conservation and supply works. These achievements are the outcome of sustained community efforts over several years, demonstrating how small, consistent initiatives can lead to significant change.

Search This Blog