More than four months after the sudden death of legendary Assamese singer and composer Zubeen Garg, fresh details emerging from a Singapore court have brought clarity to the immediate cause of his death, even as a parallel investigation in Assam continues to allege a wider conspiracy. Testimony before a coroner’s inquiry in Singapore has confirmed that Zubeen Garg died by drowning while swimming off Lazarus Island in September last year, dispelling earlier speculation that the incident may have occurred during scuba diving.

According to a report by Singapore daily The Straits Times, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim from the Police Coast Guard was the first of 35 witnesses to testify before the coroner. His account outlined the circumstances leading up to the singer’s death on September 19, 2025, when Zubeen Garg was in Singapore ahead of a performance at the North East India Festival.

What happened on the day of the incident

During the hearing, Singapore authorities told the court that Zubeen Garg was “severely intoxicated” at the time of the incident. The singer had been on a yacht near Lazarus Island along with more than 20 people, including friends and colleagues. At some point during the outing, Zubeen entered the water to swim.

Multiple witnesses testified that they saw him attempting to swim back towards the yacht. However, during the swim, he appeared to lose strength. Witnesses described how he went limp and was later seen floating face down in the water, unresponsive. Alarm was raised immediately, and those on board rushed to rescue him.

Zubeen Garg was quickly pulled out of the water and brought back onto the yacht. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered promptly by individuals on board while emergency services were contacted. Despite these efforts, the singer could not be revived and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Singapore police informed the court that there were no signs of struggle, external injuries, or any indication of third-party involvement. Based on the evidence gathered so far, authorities reiterated that there was no foul play involved in the incident.

Medical history highlighted in court

During the proceedings, officials also drew attention to Zubeen Garg’s medical history. The court was told that the singer had been diagnosed with hypertension and epilepsy. Records indicated that his last known epileptic episode occurred in 2024, roughly a year before his death.

While no definitive link was established in court between his medical conditions and the drowning, the disclosure formed part of the broader factual record presented during the inquiry. The coroner’s process in Singapore is focused on establishing the cause and circumstances of death rather than assigning criminal responsibility.

Alcohol consumption on board the yacht

One of the key elements highlighted during the hearing was the extent of alcohol consumption during the yacht outing. According to testimony, Zubeen Garg and others on board had brought snacks, beverages, and alcohol with them.

Witnesses stated that the singer was seen consuming multiple alcoholic drinks. He reportedly drank a few cups of liquor, including gin and whisky, and also had several sips of Guinness Stout. Authorities described his condition as “severely intoxicated” at the time he entered the water.

The court also heard that Zubeen had initially worn a life jacket. However, at some point before entering or while in the water, he removed it. When offered another life jacket later, he declined to wear it. This detail was presented as part of the factual sequence that preceded the drowning.

No foul play, say Singapore police

Singapore police reiterated before the court that their investigation had found no evidence of foul play. Based on witness statements, medical information, and the sequence of events, authorities concluded that the incident was accidental in nature.

The coroner’s inquiry is expected to continue with testimony from the remaining witnesses, which may further clarify details such as timelines, safety measures on board the yacht, and the response following the emergency.

Parallel Assam probe alleges conspiracy

While Singapore authorities maintain that Zubeen Garg’s death was accidental, the case has taken a dramatically different turn in Assam. The hearing in Singapore coincides with major developments in the investigation being conducted by the Assam Police.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam CID submitted its chargesheet in the case on December 12, 2025. The chargesheet runs to approximately 2,500 pages and expands to nearly 12,000 pages when supporting documents and evidence are included.

The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government has alleged that Zubeen Garg’s death was not merely an accident but part of a larger conspiracy. Acting on this theory, Assam Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case. Of these, four have been formally charged with murder.

Those named in the Assam investigation include the organiser of the North East India Festival, the singer’s secretary, some of his band members, his cousin, and two of his personal security officers (PSOs). The arrests and charges have sparked intense public debate, particularly in the Northeast, where Zubeen Garg remains a deeply revered cultural figure.

Government’s stance and legal strategy

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly stated that the Assam government is committed to uncovering the truth behind Zubeen Garg’s death. The state has constituted a dedicated team of special public prosecutors to pursue the case aggressively.

Announcing the legal team, Sarma said that senior advocate Ziaul Kamar would serve as the special public prosecutor. Brojendra Mohan Choudhury has been appointed additional public prosecutor, while Kishore Dutta, Pranjal Dutta, and Bikash Jamar will act as assistant public prosecutors.

The Assam government has vowed to expedite the judicial process and ensure that those responsible, if found guilty, are brought to justice. Officials have maintained that the SIT’s findings are based on extensive evidence collected over months of investigation.

A case that continues to divide opinion

The contrasting conclusions emerging from Singapore and Assam have added complexity to an already emotional case. While Singapore authorities are focused on establishing the immediate cause of death and have ruled out foul play, Assam’s investigation alleges criminal conspiracy and murder.

Legal experts note that the two proceedings operate under different jurisdictions and legal frameworks, which could result in divergent interpretations of the same set of events. The outcome of the Singapore coroner’s inquiry may still influence how aspects of the case are viewed internationally, even as the criminal trial in Assam moves forward.

Legacy and public reaction

Zubeen Garg’s death sent shockwaves across India, particularly in Assam and the wider Northeast, where he was more than just a singer. Known for his powerful voice, socially conscious lyrics, and decades-long contribution to Assamese music and cinema, Zubeen Garg held a near-iconic status among his fans.

As investigations continue in two countries, supporters and admirers of the late singer remain divided between grief, anger, and a desire for definitive answers. For now, the Singapore court proceedings have clarified how Zubeen Garg died, but the broader questions surrounding responsibility and accountability continue to be fought in Assam’s courts.

The coming months are likely to be crucial in determining whether the two narratives surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death eventually converge — or remain sharply at odds.