Himanta Biswa Sarma maintained that the investigation in Assam is being conducted under a separate legal framework in Zubeen Garg death, stressing that political leaders should refrain from commenting on matters under judicial consideration.
BY PC Bureau
January 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday declined to comment on the proceedings of Singapore’s coroner’s court in connection with the death of acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg, stating that political leaders should maintain distance from matters under judicial consideration.
Responding to media queries, Sarma said the Singapore Police had completed their investigation and submitted their findings to the coroner’s court, stressing that the probe in Singapore and the investigation being conducted by Assam Police are separate and independent processes, each governed by its own legal framework.
“Whatever you have read in the media, I have also read the same. Our investigation is different, and theirs is different,” the Chief Minister said, adding that it would be inappropriate for him to offer further remarks while the matter remains before the court.
Sarma cautioned that political statements on sub judice matters could be interpreted in multiple ways. “Since the issue is before the court, politicians should not interfere. We should stay away from what the court has said,” he asserted.
His remarks come amid heightened public debate following developments in Singapore, where a coroner’s court on January 13 ruled that Garg died due to accidental drowning while severely intoxicated, dismissing allegations of murder advanced earlier by the Assam government and a state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The ruling aligns with earlier findings of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), which found no evidence of foul play, dealing a significant blow to the Assam government’s position. Four individuals had been arrested on murder charges after Sarma declared in the Assam Assembly that Garg’s death was a “plain and simple murder.”
Findings of the Coroner’s Inquiry
Testimony heard on January 14 revealed that Garg, 52, was not wearing a life vest and had consumed a large quantity of alcohol before jumping off a yacht near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025. Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim of the Police Coast Guard told the court that Garg declined repeated offers of a life vest despite warnings.
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A toxicology report showed a blood alcohol concentration of 333 mg per 100 ml, consistent with severe intoxication and impaired judgment. Witnesses said Garg became motionless shortly after swimming near the yacht and was later pulled out of the water. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital at 5:13 pm, with drowning certified as the cause of death.
The proceedings were attended by members of the public and Garg’s family, including his uncle and nephew. The inquiry is ongoing, with further witnesses expected.
Cultural Visit Cut Short
Garg was in Singapore to attend the fourth North East India Festival, scheduled for September 20–21, 2025, an event organised by the Assamese community to promote the region’s culture, trade, and tourism while marking 60 years of India–Singapore diplomatic relations. He was to perform a day after his death.
Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, Garg was one of Northeast India’s most influential cultural figures. Over a career spanning decades, he recorded more than 38,000 songs in over 40 languages and was widely known as the “Heartthrob of Assam,” admired for both his music and social activism.
Conflicting Narratives
The Singapore court’s findings stand in sharp contrast to claims made by the Assam government. In November 2025, Sarma told the Assembly that Garg was deliberately killed, alleging a conspiracy involving multiple individuals. The arrests that followed intensified public speculation and demands for justice.
