Singer Zubeen Garg drowned off Lazarus Island after reportedly being “severely intoxicated” and refusing a life jacket. Singapore court reveals shocking new details, while Assam police allege a possible conspiracy behind his death.
Zubeen Garg died in September last year
New Delhi: Singer Zubeen Garg was “severely intoxicated” and had drowned off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket last September, a Singapore court was told on Wednesday. The 52-year-old Assamese singer died in a scuba diving accident a day before he was set to perform at the North East India Festival.
According to the chief investigating officer, Garg initially wore a life jacket but removed it and later refused a second one offered to him. Several witnesses reported seeing him attempting to swim back to the yacht before he went limp and floated face-down in the water.
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Garg was quickly rescued back onto the yacht and given CPR, but he was pronounced dead shortly after. The court heard that Garg had a medical history of hypertension and epilepsy, with his last known epileptic episode recorded in 2024. Singapore police have ruled out foul play in the case.
Witness accounts indicated that Garg and more than 20 others on the yacht had brought along snacks, drinks, and alcohol. Garg reportedly consumed multiple cups of liquor, gin, and whisky, along with sips of Guinness Stout prior to the incident.
The hearing in Singapore comes days after Assam Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its charge sheet on December 12. The main chargesheet spans 2,500 pages, with supporting evidence and documents extending to nearly 12,000 pages.
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The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government has alleged a conspiracy in Garg’s death, arresting seven individuals and charging four with murder. Those accused include the festival organizer, Garg’s secretary, his band members, his cousin, and two personal security officers.
To expedite proceedings, Assam has appointed a five-member team of special public prosecutors. Senior advocate Ziaul Kamar will lead as the special public prosecutor, supported by Brojendra Mohan Choudhury, Kishore Dutta, Pranjal Dutta, and Bikash Jamar.
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the legal process will be fast-tracked to ensure justice and accountability.
Garg’s tragic death, combining elements of intoxication, medical history, and alleged conspiracy, continues to draw both national and international attention, keeping the spotlight on the ongoing investigation and upcoming trial.
