Zubeen Garg death ruled accidental by Singapore coroner; Assam politics in turmoil

Assam: Singapore’s State Coroner Adam Nakhoda has officially ruled that legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg died due to “an unfortunate and tragic accidental drowning,” with “no evidence of foul play.”

The 52-year-old singer drowned off Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025, after consuming alcohol and refusing to wear a life vest while swimming from a yacht during the North East India Festival. Toxicology and autopsy reports confirmed severe intoxication and drowning as the cause of death. Authorities stated that no one forced Garg into the water, closing the international probe.

This ruling stands in direct contrast to repeated statements by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had publicly described Garg’s death as “plain and simple murder.” In November 2025, Sarma claimed preliminary police findings suggested murder involving multiple accused, including Garg’s manager, festival organisers, and bandmates. The Assam government’s SIT filed a murder and conspiracy chargesheet, and a fast-track court was set up in Guwahati. Sarma had linked his government’s credibility to the case, stating, “Vote us out in 2026 if we cannot ensure justice for Zubeen.”

The Singapore verdict has ignited political reactions in Assam. Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi questioned the government’s investigation and called for clarity on the SIT probe and the role of Indian agencies involved in Singapore. “How do the statements of the two governments not match? If Assam calls it murder, why is Singapore ruling out foul play?” Gogoi asked.

Zubeen Garg remains a beloved cultural icon in Assam. His death had triggered widespread public grief, with lakhs attending his cremation in Guwahati. Tributes poured in across platforms, including at the Filmfare Awards, and several Bihu committees cancelled events in his honour. The ruling also places renewed scrutiny on political claims ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for March-April 2026, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led government of politicising the case for electoral gains.