The Singapore Police Force has officially confirmed that renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg died by drowning while swimming off St John’s Island on September 19, 2025. The police have ruled out foul play and have provided the autopsy report to the Indian High Commission in Singapore, which has subsequently shared it with Indian authorities. Garg had been in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, celebrating the 60th year of India-Singapore diplomatic relations.
In India, the investigation into Garg’s death has intensified. The Assam government has activated the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to facilitate further cooperation. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding his death. Two individuals, Shyamkanu Mahanta, the festival organizer, and Siddharth Sharma, Garg’s manager, have been arrested and remanded to 14-day police custody on charges related to negligence and conspiracy.
The autopsy report, which lists the cause of death as drowning, has been handed over to Garg’s wife, Garima Garg, upon her return to Guwahati. Authorities have requested that the report not be made public at this time. The investigation continues as both Indian and Singaporean authorities work together to uncover the full details surrounding the tragic incident.
