Zubeen Garg died due to ‘accidental drowning’, says Singapore, rules out any malice.
While the tragic demise of India’s legendary singer, Zubeen Garg, continues to haunt his ever-loving fans, the latest development from the adjudicating authorities of Singapore has led to a fresh wave of controversy. The Singapore State Coroner ruled that Zubeen Garg died due to drowning in the sea near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025, affirming the previous findings of the Singapore Police Coast Guard’s (PCG). The judgment relied on Witnesses, who had testified that the Late Singer had consumed alcohol prior to the incident, and eventually, he removed his life jacket and refused to wear one during a second attempt to swim. The coroner further reportedly held, that there was no evidence that the swimmers rescuing him had any malice, and as such, had deliberately held his face underwater. Further, the Coroner reportedly also held, that “In circumstances where the police have established that there is no foul play involved, and the public prosecutor has concurred with this conclusion, it would be improper for the coroner to make a finding that criminal offences were committed.”
As specified, previously, the Singapore Police Coast Guard’s (PCG) had already held that there was no foul play in the death of the legendary singer, and ruled the death an accidental drowning. Consequently, The Coroner has upheld the previous findings, with the state Coroner, Adam Nakhoda, stating that the PCG had conducted a comprehensive and thorough investigation in this case. He affirmed previous report of the PCG, and held that Garg’s death was “simply due to an unfortunate and tragic accidental drowning.”
Authorities in Singapore and in India are supposedly in close co-ordination over investigation of the matter. To that end, on 29th of September, 2025, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam had submitted a request to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), seeking the invocation of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore. Consequently, it was reported by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam on 30th of September, 2025, that the Government of India had formally invoked the MLAT. The invocation of MLAT, at that time, had provided a glimmer of hope for everyone in India. Collection of crucial evidence from the place of occurrence was vastly seen as the first vital first step to ensure that justice is meted out to Assam’s most beloved son, Zubeen Garg. In the backdrop of the latest interesting twist, it is important to revisit the fact that the Centre had previously already invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), over Zubeen Garg’s tragic demise. To summarize, MLAT is a mechanism whereby countries enter into agreements, ensuring co-operation with one another, in order to provide and obtain formal assistance in prevention, suppression, investigation and prosecution of crime in different countries. As such, MLATs in criminal matters are the bilateral treaties, entered between the countries for providing international cooperation and assistance. It is worthy to note that India and Singapore had entered into a bilateral agreement for Mutual Legal Assistance in 2005. Apart from Singapore, India has entered into such MLATs with nearly 40+ countries. Article 1 of the MLAT between India and Singapore outlines the scope of mutual Legal Assistance between both the countries, envisaging assistance in areas such as location and identification of persons, service of documents, taking of evidence, search and seizure, and other assistance as may be agreed and which is consistent with the objects of this Agreement and the laws of the Requested State. As such, the question remains, what would be the significance of the ruling of the State Coroner of Singapore, in the proceedings underway in Assam?
Despite the fact that the Singaporean authorities have consistently given a clean chit to all supposed perpetrators, the reality in India, and specifically in Assam, remains vastly different. Recently, The Hon’ble Gauhati High Court has set up a fast-track court. The same was done upon a request made from the Assam government, following a Cabinet decision taken on February 26, 2026. Vide the said direction, The Hon’ble Gauhati High Court has given the Sessions Court, which is where the trial is underway, a one-year deadline to conclude proceedings from the date of its first sitting. However, the trial court is given the possibility of an extension, if deemed necessary by the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court.
Amidst the reports from Singapore consistently ruling out any sort of malice, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi, expressed shock and disappointment over the verdict delivered by Singaporean coroner, in connection to the death of heartthrob Zubeen Garg. Addressing the media, Gaurav Gogoi exclaimed that after the tragic demise, the Government of India and the Government of Singapore had signed a special legal agreement, i.e., MLAT, to ascertain the true facts. Gaurav Gogoi stated with disappointment – “We expected that there would be discussions with the Singapore Police and the Singapore Home Ministry and that information would be exchanged. We have heard what the Chief Minister said on the floor of the Assembly regarding Zubeen Garg’s death. The Chief Minister had stated in the Assembly that Zubeen Garg was murdered. At the same time, proceedings were ongoing in Singapore and the hearings had begun. However, the Singapore investigation concluded that it was a natural death, and today the court has delivered its verdict based on that finding… Himanta Biswa Sarma himself had said that if justice is not delivered to Zubeen Garg before the Assembly elections, people of Assam should not vote for the BJP. Does he remember that statement today? People are finding it difficult to trust the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death. They are watching and wondering what is really happening. Instead of ensuring justice, the BJP has resorted to character assassination of Zubeen Garg. The Chief Minister does not want to speak on this matter. We never expected such a verdict in Zubeen’s case, and like us, many others are finding it hard to believe.”
In contrast, the hon’ble Chief minister has defended the findings of the Singapore Coroner, and has affirmed that both investigating authorities are in tandem. The Chief Minister confidently exclaimed, “Singapore says he was consuming liquor from the previous night, and we’ve also stated that he consumed liquor — but we say he was made to drink intentionally. We’ve also said that Amritprava had conspired to make him drink”. The Chief minister further stated, “Many said that the Assam government should’ve gone to Singapore. If we had gone, imagine what would’ve happened. Today’s judgement proves that we’ve been doing the right thing.”
Amidst all the conversation, one thing remains clear. The people of Assam long for justice for their favorite son. The governance has remained steadfast and otherwise seem to be committed to the same idea. However, undoubtedly, the recent Corner’s report from Singapore serves as a massive blow to all who seek justice.
