Family of Zubeen Garg Seeks Justice Amid Ongoing Inquest in Singapore

Family's Hope for Justice

Guwahati, Jan 16: The relatives of the late Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg are optimistic about achieving justice as the coroner's inquest in Singapore progresses. They have raised significant concerns regarding delays, communication issues, and decision-making during the critical moments leading up to his passing.

Manoj Kumar Borthakur, Zubeen Garg’s uncle, spoke to the media, revealing that family members attended the initial day of the coroner’s hearing after receiving an official invitation from the Singaporean authorities, who requested a family representative to be present.

“I was there to observe the proceedings. The Singapore government invited us, wanting a family member to attend. On the first day, David Lin provided his testimony, followed by the yacht captain, who recounted the entire sequence of events,” Borthakur stated.

He noted that the pathologist later shared findings from the autopsy, followed by another assistant linked to the yacht. Subsequently, Rupkamal Kalita detailed the delays in reaching the scene, what he observed, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“All these testimonies were presented before the magistrate. Further hearings are scheduled, after which the coroner will issue a verdict. Ultimately, the coroner will make the final determination,” he added.

Borthakur emphasized that the family’s main concern revolves around the time lost during the emergency situation.

“The first distress call was made at 3:15 PM, yet Zubeen arrived at the hospital only at 5:35 PM. We believe this time frame was critical. There seems to have been a significant communication breakdown during that interval,” he remarked.

He mentioned that the family has submitted a request for a detailed chronological reconstruction of events, including any available video footage.

“We did not directly witness Zubeen’s last moments. Our knowledge is fragmented. We have requested a clear timeline of events, and our request has been acknowledged by the authorities,” he explained.

When asked about the lack of footage from the final moments, Borthakur stated that the coroner clarified it was neither intentional nor planned.

“The coroner indicated that no one anticipated such a tragedy, and it was not a situation where someone deliberately failed to record events,” he said.

Referring to evidence presented during the hearing, Borthakur noted that video footage showed Zubeen had declined to wear a life jacket.

“The first life jacket offered was too large. He was then given a smaller one, but he refused that as well,” he added.

However, he reiterated that the family is seeking answers.

“What we desire are answers. A significant question remains: why was a person who was heavily intoxicated taken out to sea? If those around him were genuinely concerned, they would not have allowed him to go into the water in such a state,” he stated.

Borthakur confirmed that the Singapore authorities have maintained consistent communication with the family throughout the process.

“We remain hopeful for justice. There may be delays, but we believe justice will prevail,” he concluded.

On January 14, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) David Lim from the Police Coast Guard testified before the Coroner’s Court, stating that Garg had consumed alcohol and repeatedly refused to wear a life vest before jumping into the water from a yacht.

Details revealed during the hearing indicated that the 53-year-old singer was significantly intoxicated and not wearing a life jacket when he drowned near Lazarus Island in September 2025.

Lim was the first witness to testify as the inquiry commenced on January 14.

Zubeen Garg’s passing in Singapore last September shocked the people of Assam and the Northeast, prompting fans and civil society to demand clarity and accountability.