Zubeen Garg, 52, died on September 19, 2025, during a private yacht party in Singapore. He had travelled to the city-state to perform at the North East India Festival but passed away days before his scheduled appearance. According to the police report, Garg ignored safety advice and went diving despite being intoxicated, leading to his drowning.
The investigation, cited by Singapore-based broadcaster Channel News Asia, was based on detailed testimonies from 35 witnesses. The police said these statements provided a minute-by-minute reconstruction of events preceding the incident, leaving no evidence to suggest foul play or external involvement.
Singapore authorities stated that Garg had refused to wear a life jacket before entering the water. Rescue efforts were initiated soon after he failed to resurface, but he could not be revived. The report concluded that alcohol consumption significantly impaired his judgment at the time.
The findings contradict earlier claims made in India. On November 25, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had told the state Assembly that Garg’s death was a murder and not an accident, assuring strict action against those responsible. Following that statement, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed in Assam, and seven people were reportedly arrested in connection with the case. It remains unclear how the Singapore Police findings will impact the ongoing investigation in India.
Born on November 18, 1972, in Assam’s Tinsukia district, Zubeen Garg was one of the most influential cultural figures from the Northeast. A prolific singer, musician, lyricist, actor and director, he had a career spanning over three decades. Garg recorded more than 38,000 songs in over 40 languages and dialects, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali and English, and was among the highest-paid singers in Assam.
His personal life had also been marked by tragedy. In 2002, his younger sister Jongki Borthakur, herself a singer, died in a road accident while travelling to attend one of his performances. Garg had narrowly escaped the accident after changing vehicles shortly before the crash.
Singapore Police said their investigation is complete, and no further action is warranted on their part. Any future developments, officials noted, would depend on legal proceedings in India.
3.jpg)
