Singer Zubeen Garg died from drowning off Lazarus Island in Singapore on September 19th, according to statements made in a Singapore court on Wednesday. Police have stated there is no indication of foul play in his death.
Details of the Incident
The court was told Garg was “severely intoxicated” at the time of the incident and had declined a life jacket offered to him before re-entering the water. Witnesses reported seeing him attempt to swim towards the yacht before becoming unresponsive and floating face down.
Garg had a documented history of hypertension and epilepsy, with a recent epileptic episode recorded in 2024. It remains unclear whether he had taken his prescribed medication on the day of the incident.
Investigations revealed that Garg and approximately 20 others onboard the yacht had been consuming alcohol, including gin and whisky. He initially swam with a life jacket, returned to the yacht stating he was tired, and then entered the water again without a life jacket, declining a second one that was offered.
A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Injuries found on his body were attributed to CPR and rescue attempts. Toxicology reports indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 333 milligrams per 100 ml of blood. Prescribed medication for his hypertension and epilepsy were detected in his system, but no other drugs were found.
Legal Developments
While Singapore police have ruled out foul play, a separate investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Assam Police’s CID has led to the naming of several individuals as accused. These include Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
A court in Guwahati remanded the five accused – Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandipan Garg, Nandeswar Bora, and Paresh Baishya – to judicial custody. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that authorities are committed to achieving justice for Garg, and that Singapore Police will meet with the Assam Police team on October 21st.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Zubeen Garg’s blood alcohol level?
Garg’s blood alcohol concentration was 333 milligrams per 100 ml of blood, indicating severe intoxication.
Did Zubeen Garg have any pre-existing medical conditions?
The court was told that Garg had a history of hypertension and epilepsy, with his most recent recorded epileptic episode occurring in 2024.
Was a life jacket offered to Zubeen Garg?
Yes, Garg was offered a life jacket before entering the water and again before resuming swimming, but he declined both times.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what further information will emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death and the ongoing legal proceedings.
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