Zubeen Garg death: Singapore court rules accidental drowning, no foul play found
PTC Web Desk: A state coroner in Singapore has ruled that the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was an accidental drowning. Investigation found no wrongdoing. State Coroner Adam Nakhoda said the Singapore Police Coast Guard carried out a thorough investigation. He made it clear that no one forced or pushed Garg into the water.
The court also found no evidence that anyone tried to harm him while rescuing him.
Alcohol and refusal to wear life jacket
Garg, 52, had consumed alcohol before entering the water. The coroner said this likely affected his judgment. He had worn a life jacket during his first swim but removed it later. During his second swim, he refused to wear one despite repeated requests from others on the yacht.
What happened that day
The incident took place on September 19, 2025, near Lazarus Island in Singapore. Garg was part of a group of around 20 people on a yacht. They were drinking, swimming and kayaking. Witnesses said he had consumed liquor, including whisky, gin and beer.
While swimming back towards the yacht, Garg suddenly went limp in the water. He was pulled out and taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
Medical findings
An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Tests showed a high level of alcohol in his blood, much higher than Singapore’s legal limit. This level can severely affect coordination and reflexes. Garg also had a history of hypertension and epilepsy. While a seizure before drowning was possible, the court said there was no clear proof of this.
Trip and festival plans
Garg was in Singapore to perform at an event marking 60 years of India-Singapore relations. The festival was later cancelled after his death. The court found that he had agreed to the trip willingly and there was nothing suspicious about the invitation.
No criminal case
The coroner stressed that no criminal offence was found in the case. No one has been charged in connection with Garg’s death. He also addressed concerns raised by the family, confirming that Garg entered the water on his own and that others tried their best to save him.
- With inputs from agencies
