Zubeen Garg Died While Swimming, Says Report; Singapore Police Hand Over Autopsy Report To Indian HC

Singer Zubeen Garg died after swimming in waters off Singapore island and not while scuba diving, reported PTI citing media report. The Assamese singer died on September 19, with police stating drowning

as the cause of death. Garg was cremated with full state honours in Kamarkuchi village, about 20 km from Guwahati.Initial reports suggested that Garg was on an unnamed yacht on September 19 with a dozen of people when the tragedy struck. A video posted on X on September 20 showed him jumping into the water for a swim while wearing a life vest. According to various media reports, Garg's death certificate, issued by a Singapore hospital, lists the cause of death as drowning.However, news agency PTI, citing media reports, said that the person who posted the video has stated that Garg had took off his life jacket minutes later and jumped into the water again. According to the the police, he was pulled out of the water unconscious and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital but he passed away that same day.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said they have extended a copy of the autopsy report, along with its preliminary findings on Garg's death, to the High Commission of India, upon its request, The Straits Times newspaper reported. The SPF had earlier ruled out foul play in the death of 52-year-old Garg.

Zubeen Garg's Manager, Festival Chief Organiser Booked

Zubeen Garg's manager Siddhartha Sharma and festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta were arrested from Delhi on Wednesday in connection with the singer's death. The duo has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy and causing death by negligence.

Garg was in Singapore for the celebration of the 60th year of India Singapore Diplomatic Relations and to celebrate India ASEAN Year of Tourism, North East India Festival. However, all the events were cancelled following his demise.

Zubeen Garg's Wife Questions Negligence

Garima Saikia Garg, the wife Zubeen Garg, said that the family wants clarity on what happened during the singer's final moments. Garima Saikia Garg said that she wants to know what happened to him and how negligence could be allowed to happen.“We want to know what happened to him, why it happened and how this negligence could be allowed to happen? We want answers,” Zubeen's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, said Monday, according to a PTI report. “Why did they not lift him from the water when they knew he was not in a condition to swim? They could have done so, as it was very easy to distract him,” Garima said as quoted by PTI. (With PTI Inputs)