SINGAPORE (Rajeev Sharma): A revised account of Indian singer Zubeen Garg’s tragic death has surfaced, with officials confirming he drowned while swimming off Singapore’s coast last month, countering earlier claims that he died during scuba diving.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has completed its initial investigation and shared the post-mortem report with the Indian High Commission, stating there are no indications of criminal activity or conspiracy behind the 52-year-old artist’s death.
Local media, including The Straits Times, reported that the incident occurred on September 19 near St. John’s Island, where Garg had entered the sea from a private yacht. Although he was briefly seen using a life jacket, eyewitnesses and footage later showed him jumping into the water without one. Moments later, he was found unconscious and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Legal experts in Singapore have said a coroner’s inquiry may still be launched to piece together a full timeline and determine the official cause and circumstances. While Singaporean law does not specifically define “criminal conspiracy” in the way Indian law does, the SPF’s findings suggest no suspicion of intentional harm.
The singer had travelled to Singapore as part of the North East India Festival, a cultural event celebrating India’s ties with ASEAN countries and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. The festival was cancelled immediately following his death.
In India, the case has taken a serious turn. Authorities in Assam arrested Siddharth Sharma, Zubeen’s manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, the lead organiser of the festival, on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence, and criminal conspiracy. Both were picked up from Delhi and are currently under investigation.
Zubeen Garg, a beloved figure in Indian music, particularly in Assam, leaves behind a massive fan following and a legacy of songs that shaped regional and national cinema. His unexpected death has shocked fans and the music industry alike.
