Death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg in S’pore under probe; do not speculate, spread false news: Police

SINGAPORE/NEW DELHI - The police are conducting investigations into the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore, but people should not speculate and spread false information in the meantime.

The police, in a statement on Oct 17, added that the case is now under probe, in line with Singapore’s Coroners Act. Based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected.

The police said they are aware of speculation and false information circulating online regarding the circumstances of Garg’s death.

“The police are committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation into the case, and this takes time. We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved. Meanwhile, we urge the public not to speculate and spread unverified information,” they added.

Investigations may take another three months, the police said, after which the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore, who will then determine whether to hold a coroner’s inquiry.

The inquiry is a fact-finding process, led by a judicial officer of the courts, to establish the cause and circumstances of death. If the inquiry is conducted, the findings will be made public upon conclusion, the police added.

The police reiterated that on Oct 1, a copy of the autopsy report of Garg was given to the High Commission of India upon its request. The preliminary findings of the police at the time were also given to the Indian High Commission.

Garg, a popular singer from the north-eastern state of Assam in India,

died while swimming in the sea off the Singapore coast on Sept 19.

He was 52.

He was in town for a cultural festival organised by the Assamese community in Singapore and was scheduled to perform on Sept 20.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Oct 16 said a special investigation team from the Assam police force will travel to meet Singapore authorities.

A criminal case has been registered in Assam on several charges, including murder, with seven people arrested so far, including those who organised the festival and were with him in Singapore.

The special investigation team has also questioned members of Assam Association Singapore, including its president Abhimanyu Talukdar, who were on a boat with Garg in Singapore.

The tragedy in Singapore on Sept 19 continues to provoke widespread anger in the state of Assam, with his fans demanding an impartial and speedy inquiry into the circumstances that led to his death.

On Oct 16, a large group of youth blocked a key road in the state’s largest city, Guwahati, chanting slogans against the state government’s alleged failure to ensure quick justice.

The day before, a mob in Assam’s Baksa district had attacked a police convoy transporting five people arrested in connection with Garg’s death to a jail in the district.

The death of the iconic singer – one of whose best known songs was against politicking – has ironically emerged as a political flashpoint in Assam, ahead of its state elections scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Mr Sarma, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader, has been claiming credit for driving the inquiry into Garg’s death.

“Our collective resolve remains – Justice for Zubeen will prevail,” he said in a post on X on Oct 16, describing the special investigation team’s forthcoming visit to Singapore as “another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen”.

The state government has also announced the creation of a memorial dedicated to the late singer, and a fast-track court to ensure “speedy justice”.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Guwahati on Oct 17 to pay homage to the late singer and meet the bereaved family.

Dr Maitrayee Patar, a 35-year-old sociologist and musician based in Guwahati, said Garg’s music appealed to Assam’s youth, including those of her generation, because of its distinct Western influence along with lyrics that “were so authentically Assamese” and contemporary themes such as urban isolation.

“Zubeen became super relatable to us,” she told The Straits Times.

The singer’s appeal transcended generations and deep religious fault lines within the Assamese society, something that has also been witnessed in the mass outpouring of grief that has brought people of all faiths and creeds together in mourning.

Garg described himself as a “socialist” and had often said he was “just a human” with “no caste, no religion, and no God”.

While it is important that the facts that led to Garg’s death come to light, Dr Patar noted a befitting tribute to the late singer would be to carry forward the spirit of unity that Assam has seen in the fallout of his death.

“This unity, consciousness and solidarity that people have shown should remain. This should guide them further,” added Dr Patar.

“If he had to die, then let him die for this.”