New Delhi: Renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, celebrated for hits like “Ya Ali,” passed away in Singapore on September 19 at the age of 52.
His body arrived in Guwahati from Delhi on Sunday, drawing crowds of mourning supporters eager to bid farewell. Among the dignitaries offering tributes at IGI Airport were Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
In an emotional message posted to Garg’s official Instagram account, his spouse, Garima Saikia Garg, appeared on camera with hands clasped in supplication, calling on admirers to maintain calm as her husband’s remains made their way home. Expressing deep gratitude for their unwavering encouragement, she remarked, “I’m requesting that we all unite—Zubeen is returning home at last. Throughout his life, you enveloped him in affection and goodwill, and he reciprocated that warmth generously. My wish is for his last ceremonies to unfold serenely. The local police and government officials are providing complete assistance in these difficult hours.”
Addressing recent police complaints lodged against Garg’s longtime associate, manager Siddharth Sarma, Garima defended him fiercely. “Siddharth has been like a sibling to Zubeen right from the beginning, and he’ll be accompanying us too. Many of you recall the 2020 episode when Zubeen suffered a critical seizure, requiring urgent care in Mumbai. Amid the pandemic shutdowns, with resources scarce, Siddharth ensured we had essentials, including meals, and personally arranged Zubeen’s overland trip back from Mumbai by bus.”
She continued, “No matter the backlash Siddharth faced, Zubeen defended him every time. I implore you to let him join Zubeen’s concluding voyage. Kindly set aside any resentment toward Siddharth. Come tomorrow, I’ll rely on my circle for strength, and I can’t manage without his backing—it would overwhelm me otherwise.”
Unraveling the Circumstances of Zubeen Garg’s Untimely Demise
Early accounts pointed to a scuba diving mishap as the cause, as reported by NDTV. A spokesperson from the North East India Festival in Singapore confirmed to NDTV, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce Zubeen Garg’s death.”
The official explained, “During a scuba session, he encountered respiratory issues and received prompt CPR before transfer to Singapore General Hospital. Medical teams fought to revive him, but he succumbed in intensive care at approximately 2:30 p.m. IST.” Anuj Kumar Boruah provided these details.
Subsequent updates painted a different picture. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified to PTI that Garg perished while swimming in open waters, minus a flotation device. “Zubeen lost his life swimming sans life jacket,” Sarma stated, noting that Singapore officials plan to interrogate those present during the outing.
Sarma referenced footage capturing Garg leaping from a yacht into the water, initially equipped with a life vest. “Beyond the 1:26 timestamp in the clip, Zubeen Garg reboards the vessel. Sources indicate a second plunge followed, after he discarded the jacket, citing discomfort in swimming with it on,” the chief minister elaborated.
Shortly after, Garg was spotted adrift and motionless on the surface. Paramedics transported him to Singapore General Hospital, where he was officially declared deceased around 2:30 p.m. Indian standard time. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for the following day.
Festival organizers from the North East India Festival released a clarification, stressing their lack of prior knowledge about the yacht excursion preceding the tragedy.
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