Assamese singer Zubeen Garg died on September 19, 2025, in Singapore after drowning during a yacht outing. He was 56 years old.
The cultural icon was pulled from waters near Lazarus Island after suffering a seizure while swimming. Despite immediate CPR efforts at the port, medical teams at Singapore General Hospital declared him dead later that day.
What Happened on the Yacht
Garg had traveled to Singapore as Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival. He was set to perform the next day.
The yacht carried 18 people – members of Singapore’s Assamese community, four from Garg’s team, and two crew members. Everyone started with life jackets, but Garg removed his before entering the water.
“It was oversized and uncomfortable for swimming,” witnesses reported him saying. The group had pushed him to keep the safety gear on.
According to The Times of India, Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg revealed he had a history of seizure attacks. This wasn’t his first seizure while swimming.
Official Response and Investigation
Singapore authorities completed the post-mortem on September 20. They handed over Garg’s body to his manager and team members, with Indian embassy officials present.
Back in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced multiple FIRs against festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma. The charges cite negligence and mismanagement.
Assam CID now handles the case.
Public Mourning
Shops and businesses across Assam shuttered on September 20 as fans mourned. Garg’s decades-spanning career included film soundtracks, independent albums, acting, and live shows.
His hit “Ya Ali” made him a household name across India.
What Happens Next
Garg’s remains flew to New Delhi on September 20, then proceeded to Guwahati by September 21 for final rites.
Singapore police continue questioning those present during the incident.
Timeline
- September 19, 2025: Garg drowns while swimming off Singapore
- 2:30 PM Singapore time: Declared dead at Singapore General Hospital
- September 20: Body released for repatriation
- September 21: Planned arrival in Guwahati, Assam
Both Singapore and Assam authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death.
