Singer Zubeen Garg's Death in Singapore: What Assam CM and Indian High Commissioner Revealed

Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, best known across India for his 2006 hit Ya Ali, died in Singapore on Friday at the age of 52. The singer was in the island nation to participate in the North East India Festival, but conflicting reports have emerged about how he lost his life. Festival organisers initially said Garg died while scuba diving after experiencing breathing difficulties. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later said India's High Commissioner in Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, informed him that Garg drowned while swimming without a life jacket despite warnings from lifeguards. Other organisers claimed he was on a yacht trip with local Assamese community members when the fatal "accident" occurred. Authorities in Singapore confirmed

no foul play is suspected.

Zubeen Garg's Final Hours in Singapore

According to Chief Minister Sarma, Garg was one of 18 people who joined a yacht trip before entering the water. "The High Commissioner has sent me a list of people accompanying Zubeen and it includes 11 people, including one Abhimanyu Talukdar, who had booked the yacht, from the Assamese community living in Singapore, four members of the singer's team, and two crew members," he said.The singer was found floating on the sea and given CPR by lifeguards before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead, he said.Sarma added that Singapore authorities are questioning those who accompanied the singer. "We are hoping that Zubeen can return to his land by tomorrow evening," he said, noting that an autopsy would be conducted before his body is repatriated.

Funeral Arrangements and Public Mourning

The Assam government announced that Garg's mortal remains will be kept at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati so fans can pay their respects. Sarma said the family wishes to let the people of Assam decide on the details of the last rites. "Since Garg belongs to the people of the state, they will decide how his last rites will be conducted. I will also consult people, as I also do not have the right to take any decision without their knowledge," he said.Sarma, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, visited Garg’s residence in Kahilipara to offer condolences.

Confusion Over Cause of Death

The North East India Festival organisers first said Garg died while scuba diving, issuing a statement that he "experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST".Later, festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta said, "Zubeen had gone on a yacht trip with a few members of the local Assamese community when an accident occurred which claimed his life."Singapore's Straits Times reported that police responded to a call for help at St John's Island around 3.30 pm. A 52-year-old man was found unconscious and later died at the hospital. Authorities ruled out foul play.

All Events in Singapore Cancelled

All events related to the North East Festival scheduled for Saturday in Singapore, Indian High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule said."We regret to inform you that the upcoming B2B Trade & Tourism Meet, scheduled for Saturday at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, has also been cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances," he added.Speeches and celebratory events at the pre-event dinner on Friday, attended by about 150 guests, were also cancelled. The events were being organised to celebrate the 60th year of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism.

Tributes From Leaders and Celebrities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on X, writing, "Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called him a "cultural icon" and the "Voice of Assam", while Rahul Gandhi said, "His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched".Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Garg's death "leaves a void that will never be filled."West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described him as her "brother", writing, 'My dear brother Zubeen — Rest in Rhythm! We will miss you, your mellifluous voice and your indomitable spirit."Musicians Papon, Vishal Mishra, Armaan Malik and Pritam also paid tribute, as did actor Adil Hussain.

Legacy of an Icon

Garg, who began singing at age three, performed in more than 40 languages and dialects. Though he earned national recognition for Ya Ali in the film Gangster, he was already a household name in Assam thanks to albums like Anamika. His career spanned three decades, blending folk, classical, and western influences, inspiring a generation of musicians who imitated his style.Known for speaking out on political and social issues, Garg was more than a singer to his fans. Across Assam, crowds gathered outside his Guwahati residence, his college in Jorhat, and his in-laws' home in Golaghat, mourning their beloved "Zubeen da".