Zubeen died while swimming without a life jacket: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

New Delhi: Renowned singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg has tragically died in an accident in Singapore. The 52-year-old artist, known for his work across Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi music, was in the island nation to perform at the North East India Festival, scheduled for September 20 and 21.

Initial reports indicated that Garg passed away while scuba diving. 

Anuj Kumar Boruah, speaking on behalf of the organisers, said, “While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared deceased in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST.”

Did he wear a life jacket?

However, updated details have cast doubt on that version of events. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that Garg died while swimming without a life jacket. According to PTI, Sarma said, “Zubeen died while swimming without a life jacket,” and added that Singaporean authorities are expected to question those who accompanied the singer.

He further explained: “There is a video in which Zubeen Garg is seen jumping into the sea from a yacht wearing a life jacket. After the 1.26 mark in the video, Zubeen Garg can be seen returning to the yacht. According to reports, he jumped into the sea for the second time, but after taking off the life jacket, saying it was uncomfortable swimming with the life jacket on.”

Moments later, he was found floating unresponsive. He was immediately rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead at around 2:30 pm IST. An autopsy is expected to be conducted tomorrow.

Organisers say they were unaware of Yacht outing

In a separate statement, the organisers of the North East India Festival said they had no prior knowledge of Garg's visit to the yacht.

“With profound grief, we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved icon, Zubeen Garg, passed away today at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 PM. Zubeen had arrived in Singapore just the day before yesterday. He was scheduled to be with us at the festival tomorrow, meeting and interacting with people,” the statement read.

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“Earlier today, our entire team was engaged in a business meeting with senior Singaporean industrialists and policymakers at the Shangri-La Hotel to facilitate investments in Northeast India. During the meeting, we received a call from Zubeen's manager informing us that he had met with an accident and had been rushed to Singapore General Hospital. We later learned that a few members of the local Assamese community had taken him on a yacht visit, of which we had no prior knowledge.”

The organisers added: “On receiving the news, our team rushed immediately to the hospital and has since been working closely with the High Commission to complete the necessary procedures. This is a monumental loss, and words cannot express the depth of our grief. In light of this tragedy, we are cancelling the event. We are devastated and pray for the departed soul of Zubeen Garg. Om Shanti.”

The statement was signed by Shyamkanu Mahanta & Team.

Who Was Zubeen Garg?

Zubeen Garg was one of Assam’s most revered artists and cultural figures. A versatile talent, he was a playback singer, actor, director, and music composer. He shot to national fame with the chart-topping Hindi song 'Ya Ali' from the film 'Gangster', and followed it with hits like 'Dil Tu Hi Bataa' from 'Krrish 3'.

Beyond Bollywood, Garg left a profound impact on Assamese cinema and music. Some of his most memorable works included 'Kanchanjunga', 'Mission China', 'Dinabandhu', and 'Mon Jai'.

His sudden passing has left fans and the Indian music industry in deep mourning.