Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg tragically drowned on September 19, 2025, while swimming during a yacht outing in Singapore. He was serving as a cultural ambassador for the North East India Festival at the time. The incident occurred during an event reportedly organized by members of the Assam Association Singapore.
Singapore Police Testimony Reveals New Details
Fresh information emerged this week during a coroner's inquiry in Singapore. At a court hearing on Wednesday, Singapore police presented crucial testimony about the circumstances surrounding Garg's death.
Key Findings from the Coroner's Court
Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim from the Police Coast Guard testified that Garg was severely intoxicated when the incident occurred. According to a report by The Straits Times, Lim stated that the musician had refused to wear a life vest before entering the water.
Lim was the first among thirty-five witnesses scheduled to appear before the coroner's court. The Singapore authorities had previously issued a death certificate listing drowning as the official cause of death. Garg lost consciousness while swimming and was later pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital.
Contrasting Investigations: Singapore vs Assam
The findings presented in Singapore stand in sharp contrast to earlier charges filed by Assam police. As first reported by The Indian Express, Assam police charged four individuals with murder. Their chargesheet alleged that Garg had been made to consume alcohol and was encouraged to swim.
Family Perspective on Divergent Accounts
Zubeen Garg's uncle, Manoj Borthakur, attended Wednesday's hearing in Singapore. He acknowledged the differing versions presented by the two investigations. Borthakur attributed these differences to the distinct nature and focus of each inquiry.
"In Singapore, there is a coroner's case which doesn't look at a criminal angle," Borthakur explained. "It only takes into account the cause of death. It confines itself to that. There is a feeling of difference between what has been presented by the Singapore police and the Assam police."
He emphasized that both cases were being examined from different perspectives and conducted in different situations. "Assam police is looking into the background of the incident," Borthakur noted. "Singapore police is looking specifically into what happened on that particular day."
Understanding the Coroner's Inquiry Process
The coroner's inquiry in Singapore represents a fact-finding exercise led by a judicial officer. Its primary purpose is to determine the cause and circumstances of a death without assessing criminal liability. This process differs fundamentally from criminal investigations that might seek to establish blame or intent.
Ongoing Proceedings
Only four witnesses testified during Wednesday's hearing. The inquiry will resume next month with additional testimony expected. The proceedings continue to unfold as authorities seek to establish a complete picture of the events leading to the beloved musician's untimely death.
Zubeen Garg's passing has left a significant void in India's cultural landscape. His work as a cultural ambassador was cut short by this tragic incident. The ongoing investigations in both Singapore and Assam continue to seek answers about the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
