The tragic death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore continues to raise questions. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has provided the autopsy report and preliminary findings to the Indian High Commission.
Authorities confirmed that the singer died due to drowning while swimming, ending earlier speculation about scuba diving. Investigations in both Singapore and India are still ongoing.
Autopsy Confirms Drowning
The SPF stated that Zubeen Garg drowned off a Singapore island while attending events celebrating 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism. Investigators emphasized that foul play has been ruled out for now. They also requested the public to avoid sharing videos or images related to the incident.
Legal experts noted that a coroner’s inquiry in Singapore may clarify the exact events that led to his death. Meanwhile, SPF investigators have spoken with Garg’s wife, Garima Garg, as part of the ongoing probe.
Investigation and Arrests in India
In Assam, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID is investigating potential negligence and foul play. The probe has already resulted in four arrests. Among those detained are Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, and singer Amritprabha Mahanta.
Authorities are scrutinizing the arrangements made for Garg during the Singapore trip. They are also examining whether proper care was taken for the singer, who was reportedly fatigued from recent tours and on medication.
Wife Raises Concerns
Garima Garg spoke to CNN-News18, expressing her concern over the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. “Why was he not taken care of when his manager was there? We have lost our cultural icon,” she said.
She added that Zubeen had not mentioned any plans for a picnic on September 18, the day before his death. “He usually sleeps during the day; maybe he was forcefully taken. He was also on medication – I don’t even know if he was given his medicines,” she explained.
According to Garima, Siddharth Sharma claimed that Zubeen suffered a seizure while in the water. These statements have added more complexity to the ongoing investigation in both countries.
