Zubeen Garg Was Severely Intoxicated, Declined Life Jacket, Singapore Court Told

Singer Zubeen Garg was "severely intoxicated" and drowned off Singapore's Lazarus Island after declining to wear a life jacket, a Singapore court was informed on Wednesday.

The disclosure came during a hearing into the circumstances surrounding the Assamese singer's death in September last year, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival.

Singapore court details final moments before drowning

According to testimony presented before the court, Zubeen Garg, 52, had initially put on a life jacket while on a yacht near Lazarus Island but later removed it. The chief investigating officer told the court that the singer was subsequently offered another life jacket, which he declined.

The court was informed that Garg was "severely intoxicated" at the time. Multiple witnesses reported seeing him attempting to swim back to the yacht after entering the water. During the attempt, he reportedly went limp and was later seen floating face down.

Rescue attempt and medical background revealed

The singer was quickly pulled back onto the yacht by those present, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered immediately. Despite the efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Investigators also informed the court that Zubeen Garg had a known medical history, including hypertension and epilepsy. His last recorded epileptic episode was in 2024. Singapore police reiterated that there was no evidence of foul play based on their investigation.

Singapore police rule out foul play

The Singapore police maintained their position before the court that the incident was accidental. Officials stated that all available evidence pointed to drowning following intoxication and the refusal to wear a life jacket.

The details were reported by Channel News Asia, which cited the chief investigating officer's submissions during the hearing.

Assam SIT alleges conspiracy, arrests made

The Singapore court hearing comes days after a Special Investigation Team of the Assam police CID submitted its charge sheet in the case on December 12. The Himanta Biswa Sarma led Assam government has alleged a conspiracy behind Zubeen Garg's death.

So far, seven people have been arrested, and four individuals have been charged with murder. Those taken into custody include a festival organiser, the singer's secretary, members of his band, his cousin, and his two personal security officers.

The Assam government has also approved a five member team of special public prosecutors to fast track the case. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "A team of special public prosecutors (PPs) will take forward the legal battle. Senior advocate Ziaul Kamar will be the special PP. Brojendra Mohan Choudhury will be the additional PP, and Kishore Dutta, Pranjal Dutta and Bikash Jamar will be the assistant PPs."