A Singapore court heard on Wednesday that singer Zubeen Garg drowned off Lazarus Island while severely intoxicated. He had declined to wear a life jacket before entering the water.
Police Find No Foul Play in Death
Singapore police reiterated they do not suspect any foul play in Garg's death. The investigation revealed he was on a yacht with around twenty friends and colleagues. They consumed snacks, drinks, and alcohol during the outing.
Witnesses Describe Final Moments
Multiple witnesses stated Garg drank alcohol, with one account claiming he consumed several cups of liquor including gin and whisky. The chief investigating officer reconstructed events for the court.
Garg went for a swim and removed his life jacket. He later returned to the yacht and told others he felt tired. When he decided to resume swimming, he was offered a second, smaller life jacket but declined to wear it.
He entered the water without a life jacket and started swimming alone toward Lazarus Island. Several witnesses saw him trying to swim back to the yacht when he went limp. He began floating with his face in the water.
Medical History and Uncertain Medication
The court learned Garg had a history of hypertension and epilepsy. His most recent recorded epileptic episode occurred in 2024. However, it remains uncertain whether he took his prescribed epilepsy medication on the day of the incident.
Eyewitness accounts are insufficient to confirm he had taken his medication. Witness statements provided to the court stated Garg had no suicidal tendencies. They confirmed he was not pushed into the water but jumped in himself for a swim.
Five Accused Face Charges in India
Meanwhile, a separate probe conducted by the SIT and Assam Police's CID has named five individuals as accused. The principal event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta faces charges. Zubeen Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma is also named.
Suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg appears on the list. Two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya, complete the group of accused.
Judicial Custody Ordered
The CJI court in Guwahati remanded all five accused to judicial custody. This action connects directly to the Zubeen Garg death case. The legal proceedings continue in both Singapore and India.
