Zubeen Garg’s cause of death has been revealed. A Singapore coroner’s inquest has concluded that the beloved Assamese singer-songwriter’s death was an accidental drowning. There is no evidence of foul play.
Zubeen Garg was a cultural icon in Assam. During a 33-year career, he sang in more than 40 languages and dialects.
The 52-year-old rebel artist, known for his anti-establishment shots, died on September 19, 2025. He drowned in the sea off the coast of Singapore. He had previously traveled to the city-state to speak on the following day’s programme. The day before the show, he went out on a yacht with a group of people and entered the sea twice to swim.
The coroner’s report revealed that Garg had consumed alcohol at the time of the incident. His blood alcohol level was more than four times the legal drink-drive limit.
The report said alcohol likely impaired his judgment. Maybe that’s why he took off his life jacket on his first swim. He was not wearing it when he re-entered the water.
On the second swim, he lost consciousness and his face submerged. The others on the yacht immediately noticed this, swam to him and lifted his head above the water. The coroner found no signs of delay in providing first aid.
Singapore Coroner Adam Nakhoda concluded that Gargo’s death was “simply due to an unfortunate and tragic accidental drowning”.
“There was no reason to disagree with the Coast Guard’s conclusion that there was no foul play and that Gargo’s death was simply an unfortunate and tragic accidental drowning,” BBC quoted Nakhoda as saying.
Meanwhile, the case has already become politically charged in India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier described it as “plain and simple murder”. However, Sarma did not provide any evidence.
Seven people, including Gargo’s manager, remain in custody in Assam on charges of murder. All seven have denied any wrongdoing.
“Zubeen Garg” was of interest on Google India during 24-25 March High:
Zubeen Garg: Rebel
Apart from his music, Zubeen Garg was known as a fearless rebel. He refused to conform to social, political or religious expectations.
In the 1990s, he openly defied the dictates of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which banned Hindi songs during Bihu festivals. Garg insisted that culture must remain open and free.
Garg later became a prominent face of the anti-CAA protests in Assam. Hi song “Politics Nokoriba Bandhu” became the anthem of the movement.
Born into a Brahmin family, Zubeen Garg publicly shed his sacred thread. He declared that he had no caste or religion and described himself as a free man.
He often criticized both the government and religious authorities. He talked about issues ranging from deforestation to animal sacrifices in temples.
Known for his unpredictable public behavior and unfiltered opinions, Zubeen Garg was widely considered a bohemian figure. He lived entirely on his own terms.
