Renowned Indian singer and music composer Zubeen Garg tragically drowned in Singapore, leaving millions of fans across India — especially in Assam — in shock and grief. The 52-year-old artist, celebrated as the “first true rockstar of Assam,” had travelled to Singapore to perform at a live concert but never made it to the stage.
💔 A Tragic End to a Musical Legend’s Journey
Zubeen Garg was in Singapore to perform at a concert on September 20, 2025. A day before the event, he joined a yacht trip with friends and associates when tragedy struck. According to Singapore Police, an emergency call was received from St John’s Island. Garg was found unconscious in the water and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.
Authorities confirmed that no foul play was initially suspected, as reported by The Straits Times. However, questions began to surface soon after.
Before Garg’s cremation in Assam on September 23, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered a second autopsy to maintain transparency. But as more details emerged, fans began to suspect negligence and possible conspiracy, turning the tragedy into one of the most discussed cases in India.
⚠️ Murder Allegations and Growing Public Anger
Over 60 complaints have been filed with Assam Police demanding a thorough investigation.
Five people who accompanied Garg to Singapore — including his manager, event organiser, and crew members — have been arrested. They have denied wrongdoing and said they are cooperating with authorities.
Despite official reports suggesting an accident, fans and family members believe otherwise. The investigation is now being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a judicial commission set up by the Assam government.
Senior police official Munna Prasad Gupta, leading the SIT, said the case is being investigated as a possible homicide, though details remain confidential.
🌹 Assam Mourns Its “King of Music”
Zubeen Garg’s death brought Assam to a standstill. Schools and markets were closed, and thousands lined the streets to pay tribute as his body was brought to Guwahati.
His cremation ceremony, attended by over a million mourners, included state honours and a 21-gun salute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him the “brightest gem of Assamese culture”, while fans across the country shared emotional tributes online, singing his evergreen hits like “Mayabini” and “Ya Ali.”
“Zubeen wasn’t just a singer,” said journalist Manorom Gogoi. “He was a symbol of the Northeast — fearless, generous, and deeply connected to his people. His sudden death feels personal to every Assamese.”
🔍 Conspiracy Theories and Investigation Details
Recent videos circulating on social media show Garg swimming with — and later without — a life jacket before he drowned. One clip appears to show him struggling in the water, sparking widespread anger and speculation about negligence by those accompanying him.
Adding to the mystery, Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg revealed that the singer had underlying health conditions and was on medication during his Singapore trip. She has publicly demanded a full investigation, saying,
“He was a victim of negligence. We deserve to know what really happened to him. Those responsible must be punished.”
The Singapore autopsy report has been shared with Indian authorities, and a toxicology test is currently being conducted by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Delhi to determine if substances were involved.
⚖️ Legal and Political Tensions Rise
The case has become a major political issue in Assam, with the ruling BJP and Congress trading accusations of politicizing Garg’s death.
Chief Minister Sarma assured the public that the government will deliver complete justice, saying,
“If we fail to bring justice for Zubeen, people can punish us in the next election.”
Meanwhile, the Assam Lawyers’ Association has refused to represent the accused, describing the case as “emotionally charged and sensitive.” One of the arrested men has even approached the Supreme Court seeking protection from what he calls a “witch-hunt.”
🕊️ A Voice That Defined an Era
For over three decades, Zubeen Garg shaped the sound of modern Assamese music.
He sang in over 40 languages and dialects, blending traditional Assamese sounds with rock and pop influences. His ability to bridge regional identity and modern artistry made him an icon not just in the Northeast but across India.
“Zubeen filled the cultural void during Assam’s darkest days,” said Professor Akhil Ranjan Dutta of Gauhati University. “His music brought hope to an entire generation.”
💬 “We Just Want the Truth,” Say Loved Ones
As investigations continue, the mystery around Zubeen Garg’s death deepens.
Close friend and writer Rahul Gautam Sharma summed up what many feel:
“The confusion and speculation have taken away our ability to grieve. We just want the truth. Only when we know what really happened can we begin to heal.”
