Zubeen Garg was drunk and refused life jacket before drowning; says Singapore Police

Zubeen Garg, one of India’s most celebrated and prolific singers, continues to be remembered for his extraordinary musical legacy even as fresh details surrounding his untimely death have surfaced months later. New revelations presented before a Singapore court have added a troubling dimension to the circumstances in which the acclaimed Assamese artiste lost his life.

A Singapore court was told on Wednesday that Zubeen Garg was “severely intoxicated” at the time of his death and drowned off Lazarus Island after declining to wear a life jacket. The singer, aged 52, had died in September last year, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival.

According to the testimony of the chief investigating officer, Garg had initially worn a life jacket but later removed it. He was subsequently offered another life jacket, which he declined to put on.

Witness Accounts Presented

As reported by Channel News Asia, multiple witnesses told investigators that Garg attempted to swim back to a yacht after entering the water. During the attempt, he reportedly went limp and was later seen floating face-down in the water. The court was informed that he was in a state of severe intoxication at the time.

Parallel Probe in India

The Singapore court hearing comes shortly after developments in India. On December 12, a Special Investigation Team of the Assam Police’s CID submitted a charge sheet in connection with the case. Seven individuals have been arrested so far, with four accused charged with murder.

A Towering Musical Legacy

Zubeen Garg’s death marked a profound loss to Indian music. With an estimated repertoire of over 40,000 songs in more than 40 languages, he remains one of the most prolific recording artistes in the world. As investigations continue across jurisdictions, his music endures as his most powerful legacy.