Circumstances Surrounding Zubeen Garg's Death Raise Questions in India
Details Emerge on Zubeen Garg's Tragic Passing
Recent revelations regarding the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore have clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident while simultaneously raising numerous questions about the investigation and political reactions in India. According to information presented in a Singapore court on Wednesday, Garg's death was attributed to drowning near Lazarus Island, with no indications of foul play or criminal activity.
The Singapore police informed the court that on September 19, Zubeen Garg was aboard a yacht with approximately twenty friends and colleagues. The yacht departed from Marina at Keppel Bay and made a stop between Lazarus and St. John's Islands. During this time, the group consumed breakfast, drinks, and alcohol. Witnesses reported that Garg had several drinks, including gin and whiskey, and investigations revealed that he was heavily intoxicated at the time.
According to the police, Garg initially swam while wearing a large life jacket but returned to the yacht, complaining of fatigue. When he decided to swim again, he was offered a smaller life jacket, which he declined to wear. He then swam alone towards Lazarus Island without a life jacket. Witnesses noted that he was called back, and while he turned around, he soon appeared to lose consciousness and was seen floating face down in the water.
Those on the yacht immediately attempted to rescue him and administered CPR. The police coast guard arrived within nine minutes, but by that time, he had no pulse. He was transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:15 PM. The autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death, with some bruises on his body attributed to CPR and rescue efforts.
A toxicology report indicated that Garg's blood alcohol level was 333 mg per 100 ml, which is more than four times the legal limit in Singapore. The report also revealed traces of hypertension and epilepsy medications, but no other drugs were detected. However, it remains unclear whether he took his epilepsy medication on the day of the incident.
The Singapore police have stated that there is no evidence of conspiracy or that he was forcibly pushed into the water. The court also noted that Garg did not exhibit suicidal tendencies and voluntarily jumped into the water to swim. There is a possibility that the coroner's court will record an accidental death ruling in this case.
In contrast, the situation in India, particularly in Assam, presents a different narrative. The Assam police's special investigation team and CID have named several individuals as suspects, including event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma, his relative Sandipan Garg, and two private security personnel. A court in Guwahati has placed five accused individuals in judicial custody.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described this as a step towards justice, stating that coordination meetings will occur between the Singapore police and Assam police teams to ensure justice is served. Meanwhile, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi questioned the state government, asking how it could label the death as murder when the Singapore authorities deemed it natural and accidental. He emphasized that the public has the right to know which conclusion to trust.
Ultimately, Zubeen Garg's death is not merely the story of a beloved artist's untimely demise; it highlights the complexities that arise when emotions, politics, and investigations intertwine. The investigation in Singapore has presented a clear picture based on facts, testimonies, and scientific evidence, while the ongoing investigation and political rhetoric in Assam have fueled doubt and confusion.
When two countries' investigative agencies arrive at different conclusions, it is natural for questions to arise. True justice for Zubeen Garg's fans and family can only be achieved if the truth is accepted without bias. This would be the greatest tribute to his memory.