Zubeen Garg’s Death Mystery in Singapore: Accident or Conspiracy?

The unexpected death of famed Assamese singer, actor, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg has sent shockwaves throughout Assam and the northeast. Zubeen, a well-known artist in the region, died in Singapore on September 19, 2025, while attending the North East India Festival. While Singapore doctors ruled drowning as the official cause of death, allegations of foul play and rising public demand for answers prompted the Assam government to request a second autopsy in Guwahati. The scenario has now devolved into a legal and emotional war as fans, family, and officials seek the truth.

Conflicting Accounts of Zubeen Garg’s Last Moments

According to initial accounts, Zubeen died while scuba diving. However, his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, later stated that he had a seizure while swimming on Singapore's Lazarus Island. She explained that Zubeen had gone swimming twice, once with a life jacket and later without it. During the second swim, he apparently had a seizure and was transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:30 pm. Close associates, such as percussionist Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and manager Siddhartha Sharma, were present. The conflict between drowning and seizure has become the focal point of societal confusion.

Public Outcry and Allegations of Negligence

Zubeen's admirers in Assam refused to accept Singapore's original post-mortem findings. Social media platforms were swamped with calls for a new investigation, with many suspecting foul play or incompetence on the part of those around him. Several FIRs were filed across districts, identifying individuals including event promoter Shyamkanu Mahanta and manager Siddhartha Sharma. These allegations have lent credence to the government's decision to interfere, as the people of Assam wanted transparency and justice for their cultural hero.

Second Autopsy and Government’s Stand

To guarantee transparency, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered a second post-mortem in Assam before to Garg's funeral. While he admitted to trusting Singapore's medical system, he underlined the significance of addressing public sentiment and avoiding political manipulation. To preserve credibility, the second autopsy was performed at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in the presence of doctors and administrative authorities from AIIMS Guwahati. Zubeen's funeral, held with full state honours in Kamrup district, reflecting the depth of grief and respect he commanded throughout the region.

Why Zubeen Garg’s Death Matters Beyond Assam

Zubeen was more than just a musician; he was a poet, actor, and activist who helped shape Assamese identity and promoted northeast India's culture on a global scale. His death under mysterious circumstances has created a cultural hole, leaving people eager for closure. For many, this is more than just the loss of an artist; it is about pride, identity, and justice. Whether the second autopsy provides fresh information or confirms the Singapore results, the case demonstrates the growing demand for responsibility in high-profile fatalities.

Conclusion

The death of Zubeen Garg remains a mystery, with medical explanations balancing public mistrust. While official sources suggest that the drowning was caused by a seizure, fans and relatives are awaiting a definitive verdict from the current inquiry. As the investigation by the Assam CID proceeds, one thing is certain: Zubeen Garg's voice, influence, and cultural significance will endure, even as questions about his final moments linger.