Zubeen Garg death: Months after the death of celebrated Assamese singer, Zubeen Garg in Singapore, the court there ruled out the possibility of any foul play on Wednesday, emphasising that the artist died due to accidental drowning. As of Thursday, the Singapore Court’s verdict has kicked up a political storm in poll-bound Assam. 

Singapore State Coroner Adam Nakhoda had delivered the verdict on Wednesday, in which he said Garg drowned in the sea near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025. The court also noted that the singer had consumed alcohol prior to diving into the water body, and had also removed his life jacket before attempting a second swim.

Opposition questions Assam govt’s claims made earlier

Reacting strongly to the verdict, Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, raised concerns over the discrepancies between Singapore’s findings and the statements made earlier by the Assam Government. He emphasised that despite multiple exchanges between Indian and Singaporean authorities, and even a Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) visit, the Assam government had earlier claimed that the artist was murdered. 

He said, “The Singapore court has now clearly termed it an accidental death under the influence of alcohol,” Gogoi said, raising questions on the basis of the earlier murder claim.

Zubeen Garg death: Assam CM Sarma defends verdict, cites ‘conspiracy angle’

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the state police probe, asserting that its findings largely align with those of the Singapore court. He acknowledged that Garg had consumed alcohol, adding that close to 380 ml of alcohol was found in his body. Sarma, however, maintained that the Assam Police report included an additional angle, alleging that the singer may have been coerced into consuming alcohol as part of a larger conspiracy. 

CM Sarma said, “This judgement proves that we did a good job.” 

Murder probe underway in India

Despite the verdict announced by the Singapore court, a probe into the incident is underway in India. Seven persons, including a member from Garg’s band, two personal security officers and a former manager have been arrested in connection with the incident. 

Notably, Garg was a towering figure in Assamese culture, and had a career spanning over three decades. He sang songs in more than 40 languages and dialects. He was also known for his outspoken and anti-establishment views. The 52-year-old had travelled to Singapore for a performance, before the tragedy struck him. 

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