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.
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*Senior journalist based in Guwahati
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