The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has stated that, based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected in the death of renowned Assamese singer and actor Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025. The clarification came amid widespread public speculation and online misinformation surrounding the circumstances of his death, which occurred just before a concert he was scheduled to perform at in the city-state.

In an official statement released on Friday, October 17, the SPF confirmed that the investigation is ongoing under Singapore’s Coroners Act 2010, and the process could take several months to complete. “The SPF is aware of the speculation and false information circulating online regarding the circumstances of Mr Zubeen Garg’s death. The case is currently being investigated by the SPF, in accordance with Singapore’s Coroners Act 2010. Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play,” the statement read.

Singapore Police’s Preliminary Findings

According to the SPF, the preliminary report and autopsy findings were submitted to the High Commission of India in Singapore on October 1. The police clarified that their investigation remains active and will continue until the final report is ready. The findings will then be forwarded to Singapore’s State Coroner, who will determine whether a Coroner’s Inquiry (CI) should be held.

The SPF explained that the Coroner’s Inquiry is a fact-finding judicial process conducted to establish the cause and circumstances of a person’s death. It does not determine criminal guilt or liability but aims to provide clarity and transparency in cases of unnatural or unexplained deaths. “After about three months, the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore, who will then determine whether to hold a Coroner’s Inquiry (CI). Its findings will be made public upon conclusion,” the SPF stated.

Reiterating its commitment to due process, the SPF urged the public to avoid speculation. “The SPF is committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation into the case, and this takes time. We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved. Meanwhile, we urge the public not to speculate or spread unverified information,” it said.

Assam Police and SIT Investigation

In India, the Assam Police has launched a parallel probe into the circumstances leading to Garg’s death. Soon after the news broke, seven individuals — including the late singer’s brother — were arrested on charges of murder. These arrests were made under intense public pressure, as Garg’s death sent shockwaves across Assam and the Indian music fraternity.

To ensure transparency and coordination with Singapore authorities, the Assam government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Crime Investigation Department (CID). Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that the SIT is expected to submit its findings by late November or early December 2025.

Sarma also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner Alice Cheng in New Delhi on Wednesday. Following the meeting, he announced that a delegation of senior Assam Police officials will travel to Singapore on October 21 to discuss the progress of the investigation with the SPF and review the forensic findings shared with Indian authorities.

Judicial Custody and Violence in Assam

Back in Assam, the case has triggered significant public unrest, especially among Garg’s massive fan base. Five of the arrested suspects were sent to judicial custody on Wednesday, while a Kamrup district court on Friday remanded the remaining two to 14-day judicial custody.

However, tensions flared when a police convoy transporting the five accused to Baksa District Jail came under attack by a mob of around 150 agitated Zubeen Garg fans. The crowd reportedly pelted stones at the convoy, accusing the police of mishandling the investigation and demanding justice for the late artist. The confrontation resulted in chaos and multiple injuries.

Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that police personnel were injured in the attack and that the security forces responded with a lathi-charge and warning shots to disperse the mob. Two individuals sustained gunshot injuries during the scuffle. Following the incident, the Assam Police arrested two people on Thursday in connection with the violence and detained two more on Friday, with several others identified through CCTV footage and video evidence.

Zubeen Garg’s Legacy and Public Response

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons, was not only a singer and composer but also a film actor and philanthropist. Known for his versatility, Garg produced numerous Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali songs and composed for several successful films. His sudden death in Singapore led to an outpouring of grief across Northeast India and among the Assamese diaspora.

Fans and colleagues described Garg as the “voice of Assam,” and his passing has reignited discussions about the pressures faced by artists in the entertainment industry. Vigils, music tributes, and public memorials have been held across the state since his death, reflecting the depth of his connection with the people of Assam.

However, the speculation surrounding his death also highlighted how social media can amplify misinformation. Various unverified claims — ranging from poisoning to political conspiracy — circulated widely online before Singaporean authorities issued their official clarification.

Looking Ahead

With the SPF’s preliminary findings ruling out foul play, attention now turns to the detailed coroner’s report expected in the coming months. Singapore’s Coroners Act mandates that every death under unclear circumstances be examined through scientific and judicial scrutiny, ensuring that the investigation remains transparent and evidence-based.

Meanwhile, the Assam SIT’s parallel probe is expected to coordinate closely with Singapore authorities. The Indian High Commission in Singapore continues to facilitate information exchange between both sides. Chief Minister Sarma has assured the public that no conclusion will be drawn until both reports — from Singapore and Assam — are available.

The tragic death of Zubeen Garg remains under investigation, but for now, Singapore’s official position provides the first clear statement in weeks of speculation: there is no indication of foul play. Fans, family, and the music community continue to await definitive answers, hoping the final findings will bring both clarity and closure to one of Assam’s most painful recent losses.