‘Manager knew about his epileptic seizures, still took him on yacht’: Zubeen Garg’s wife demands inquiry

Dispur: After the completion of the 11th-day rituals for late singer Zubeen Garg, his wife Garima Saikia Garg has raised pointed questions about the circumstances leading to his death in Singapore.

“We want to know what happened to him, why it happened and how this negligence could be allowed to happen? We want answers,” Garima told reporters on Monday, according to a PTI report.

Zubeen, who was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, died in a swimming incident on September 19.

His body was brought back to Delhi and later to Guwahati, where thousands of fans paid their last respects. He was cremated with full state honours at his native Kamarkuchi village, about 20 km from Guwahati.

Garima said those accompanying the singer on the yacht and at the event “must answer” for what happened during his final moments.

Referring to videos from the day, she said it was clear her husband looked “very exhausted” and insisted on a proper inquiry.

“They could have lifted him from the water easily when they knew he was not in a condition to swim. Why did they not do so?” she questioned.

She also revealed that Zubeen’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma, knew that the singer was at risk of epileptic seizures and was not supposed to go near fire or water. Medicines for his condition had been sent along with him.

Targeting the organiser of the festival, Shyamkanu Mahanta—also a close friend of Zubeen—Garima said he “did nothing” for the late singer, adding that there was no medical assistance, security, or special arrangements in place.

She further claimed Zubeen had not mentioned any yacht trip during their phone conversation a day before his death.

“He is usually very excited about these things, and I am surprised that he did not talk about it. It is possible he was not even aware of the plan,” she said.