Investigation Reveals Circumstances Surrounding Zubeen Garg's Drowning Incident

The recent Coroner's Inquiry into Zubeen Garg's drowning has unveiled critical details, including his intoxication level and refusal to wear a life jacket. Witness testimonies indicate he showed no suicidal tendencies before the incident. As investigations continue, the case has sparked significant public interest and controversy, especially regarding allegations of foul play. This article delves into the findings of the inquiry and the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Garg's tragic death.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 16:20 IST

Details of Zubeen Garg's Drowning Incident

According to a recent court hearing, singer Zubeen Garg was reported to be "severely intoxicated" and declined to wear a life jacket before he drowned while swimming in September, as stated by the Singapore Police.

During a Coroner’s Inquiry, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim testified to clarify the events leading to Garg's death, which is a standard procedure in Singapore to investigate the circumstances surrounding fatalities.

The well-known Assamese artist tragically passed away on September 19 during a yacht excursion in Singapore, just a day prior to his scheduled performance at the North East India Festival.

A death certificate issued on September 20 confirmed that Garg's cause of death was drowning.

Lim noted that witnesses reported Garg showed no signs of suicidal behavior and was not under any pressure before his passing, as per the local news outlet.

Despite repeated requests from the yacht captain, Garg chose not to wear a life jacket and swam away from the yacht, even as others urged him to return.

Witnesses observed that he suddenly became motionless and floated face down in the water, with some noting foaming at his mouth.

Efforts to revive him included cardiopulmonary resuscitation after he was brought back onto the yacht, and an emergency call was made at 3:36 PM. The Police Coast Guard arrived within ten minutes.

He was transported to a hospital, where he was declared dead at 5:13 PM.

An autopsy revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 333 mg per 100 ml, significantly above Singapore's legal driving limit of 80 mg per 100 ml and India's limit of 30 mg per 100 ml, indicating potential impairment of his coordination.

Mobile phone footage presented in court showed Garg removing his life jacket prior to the incident.

On December 19, authorities reiterated that they did not suspect foul play in Garg's death, a statement they had previously made in October.

In India, a Special Investigation Team filed charges against four individuals in a Guwahati court on December 12, accusing them of murder.

Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has publicly stated that he believes Garg's death was not accidental but rather a murder.

The festival where Garg was meant to perform was organized by the Indian government and the Indian High Commission in Singapore, with assistance from local associations.

The individuals charged with murder include Shyamkanu Mahanta, the festival organizer, Garg’s manager Siddharatha Sharma, and two musicians who were present with him on the yacht, Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta.

Additionally, Garg’s cousin, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, who accompanied him to Singapore, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while two of his personal security officers are accused of criminal breach of trust.