Guwahati, March 25: A coroner’s inquiry into the death of popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg has concluded that the artiste died of accidental drowning off Lazarus Island in September 2025. Delivering the findings on March 25, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda stated there was no reason to disagree with the Police Coast Guard’s investigation, which found no evidence of foul play or criminal intent. The death certificate issued by the Singapore General Hospital officially listed the cause of death as drowning.
The inquiry revealed that on September 19, 2025, Zubeen was among a group of 15 people who boarded a yacht at Marina at Keppel Bay for a recreational trip. The singer, who was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival, had reportedly consumed a significant amount of alcohol prior to boarding. The vessel’s captain testified that Zubeen appeared unsteady and required assistance from friends to move around the deck. At approximately 2:30 PM, the group arrived near Lazarus Island and entered the water. While Zubeen initially wore a life jacket, he removed it after finding it too large and returned to the yacht breathing heavily. Despite his apparent exhaustion and repeated pleas from associates to wear a smaller life jacket, Zubeen steadfastly refused the safety gear before entering the water for a second swim.
Video evidence reviewed during the inquiry showed Zubeen’s swim strokes appearing fatigued, akin to a “doggy paddle.” Shortly after turning back toward the yacht, he likely lost consciousness and his face became submerged. Nearby swimmers immediately moved to assist him, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered on the deck while the yacht was guided back to the mainland by the Police Coast Guard. Zubeen was later pronounced dead at the Singapore General Hospital at 5:13 PM. The coroner noted that there was no delay in first aid or medical evacuation.
An autopsy report conducted by the Health Sciences Authority found that Zubeen had 333mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, over four times the legal drink-driving limit of 80mg, which severely impacted his coordination and physical judgment. Traces of medication for hypertension and epilepsy, conditions the singer had a history of, were also detected. Physical injuries, such as bruising on the chest and lips, were ruled consistent with intense resuscitation efforts.
While the Singapore State Coroner has stated the death as an accident, the incident has had a turbulent aftermath in India. Following the singer’s passing in 2025, violent protests erupted in his home state of Assam. Indian authorities subsequently charged several associates, including festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and manager Siddhartha Sharma with murder. However, the Singapore inquiry found no evidence to suggest Zubeen’s face was deliberately held underwater and concluded that those on the scene assisted him to the best of their abilities.
