Coroner's Inquiry into Zubeen Garg's Death Set for January in Singapore
Upcoming Coroner's Inquiry
Singapore, Dec 29: A coroner's inquiry regarding the passing of Zubeen Garg, a celebrated cultural figure from Assam, is scheduled to commence on January 14 in Singapore, as reported by a local media outlet on Monday.
The inquiry will take place at the State Courts following the submission of findings by the Singapore police to State Coroner Adam Nakhoda.
This judicial process aims to ascertain the details surrounding an individual's death, including the time, place, and circumstances. It is important to note that the coroner does not assign criminal liability under the Coroners Act.
Typically, these inquiries are held in open court unless there are compelling reasons to conduct them privately. The proceedings may wrap up in a single day or extend over several days.
Upon conclusion, the coroner will document the findings related to the death.
Zubeen Garg, aged 52, passed away in Singapore on September 19, just one day prior to his performance at the North East India Festival (NEIF) 2025.
On the day of the incident, Singapore police received a call for assistance from St John’s Island, where Garg was discovered unconscious and subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
Earlier this month, authorities indicated that investigations into Garg's death were still active, with a coroner's inquiry planned for January and February 2026.
They have stated that, based on current findings, there is no indication of foul play and have requested the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding the singer's death.
In Assam, legal scrutiny regarding the case is ongoing. On December 27, senior lawyer A R Bhuyan, representing petitioners advocating for justice for Garg, expressed concerns about perceived deficiencies in the investigation and the charge sheet submitted to the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court.
Bhuyan remarked that it is too early to determine if justice will ultimately be served.
He emphasized the potential for cross-border cooperation, referencing the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and Singapore.
According to Bhuyan, this treaty allows for the legal acquisition of various types of evidence from Singapore to be presented in Indian courts for prosecution. He noted that this process has not yet been utilized in the case, adding that establishing a criminal conspiracy necessitates stringent proof standards.
Previously, a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Special Director General of Police Munna Prasad Gupta, submitted its charge sheet to the Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court on December 12.
The next hearing in this matter is set for January 3.