Authorities in Singapore are investigating if popular singer Zubeen Garg, who died on Friday, was swimming without a life jacket during his accidental death. While initially it was reported that Garg died while scuba diving, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the singer drowned while swimming without a life jacket, despite repeated warnings from lifeguards.
“Garg had initially worn the life jacket, but after a few seconds, he took it off, claiming that it was oversized and he was finding it difficult to swim,” Sarma said, quoting information from the Indian High Commissioner in Singapore.
The chief minister added, “The autopsy would be conducted on Saturday, and ‘hopefully’ his mortal remains could be brought to Assam in the evening.” According to reports, the body will be first brought to New Delhi and then flown to Assam.
The 52-year-old artist, known for his song ‘Ya Ali’, was reportedly on a yacht trip with 18 others when he drowned.
According to Sarma, yacht crew members and lifeguards had insisted on safety gear. After being found floating, Zubeen Garg was administered CPR and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
FIRs filed and CID probe ordered
The Assam CM also revealed that multiple FIRs have been registered against Shyam Kanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the Northeast Festival, and Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma. The singer was scheduled to perform at the festival on Saturday.
“Multiple FIRs have been filed against Shri Syamkanu Mahanta and Shri Sidharth Sarma in connection with the unfortunate and untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. I have directed the DGP, Assam Police, to transfer all the FIRs to the CID and to register a consolidated case for a thorough investigation,” Sarma wrote on X.
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He further stated that Singapore authorities are questioning the 11 individuals who accompanied Garg, including four of his team members and yacht crew. “Since all the members accompanying Garg are Indian citizens, we will also approach the Union Home Ministry on the procedure to be followed for our concerned authorities to question them,” Sarma said.
Last rites of Zubeen Garg: What we know so far
The mortal remains of the singer will first be taken to his residence in Kahilipara, Guwahati, where his father and wife will pay their respects. From there, the body will be kept at Sarusajai Stadium for the public to offer condolences.
The Assam government has announced a holiday on the day of Garg’s last rites. “All other arrangements will be made after his body’s arrival,” Sarma said, adding that the singer’s family, acknowledging that he belonged to the people of Assam, would decide the final rites.
“I will also consult people, as I also do not have the right to take any decision without their knowledge,” the chief minister stated. Sarma was accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma when he visited Garg’s residence to offer condolences.
