Singapore Police urge restraint in circulating videos of Garg’s final moments, stressing dignity and privacy in the investigation.
BY PC Bureau
October 2, 2025: Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore last month, drowned while swimming near St John’s Island, according to official findings—contrary to earlier reports that suggested he had been scuba diving.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF), quoted by The Straits Times, confirmed that it shared the autopsy and preliminary findings with the High Commission of India in Singapore. Authorities have ruled out any foul play in the death of the 52-year-old artist.
Legal expert Ng Kai Ling, associate director at LIMN Law Corporation, told the publication that a coroner’s inquiry could help clarify the events leading to the drowning. She noted that such proceedings are meant to establish the deceased’s identity and determine the time, place, and manner of death.
On September 19, authorities found Garg unconscious in the waters off St John’s Island. Paramedics rushed him to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead the same day. His death certificate listed drowning as the cause.
Videos circulated online showed Garg initially jumping into the sea with a life vest, though later reports indicated he may have removed the flotation device before re-entering the water. The SPF has urged the public not to circulate any images or footage related to the incident.
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Garg had travelled to Singapore to take part in events marking 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic ties and the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism. He was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival from September 19–21, which was cancelled after his sudden demise.
In a significant turn, Assam Police on Wednesday arrested Siddhartha Sharma, Garg’s manager, and Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of the festival, in Delhi. Senior officials confirmed that the two face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence.
Both Singaporean and Indian authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss of one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural icons.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Zubeen Garg’s death has questioned several persons linked to the case while following “every possible lead.” Two key figures—festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma—are already under arrest and are being interrogated at the CID headquarters.
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The SIT has also invoked Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), adding to earlier charges. Formal notices have been issued to all persons associated with the incident, with instructions to appear before investigators by October 6.
The case has been formally registered as No. 18/2025 under BNS Sections 61(2), 103, 105, and 106(1). In a parallel development, Mahanta faces a separate property-related case (No. 19/2025) under multiple sections of the BNS, including 316(5), 336(5), 337, 338, 339, 340(2), 341(1), and 342(1).
The SIT has issued formal notices to all individuals involved and directed them to appear before investigators by October 6 for questioning.
