Death Certificate Confirms Drowning as Cause of Zubeen Garg's Death, Says Assam CM
Singer drowned in Singapore; mortal remains brought to Guwahati for final rites.
Popular Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19 at the age of 52 in Singapore, where he was attending the North East India Festival. Initial reports cited a scuba diving accident, but Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that Garg was swimming without a life jacket when he fell unconscious, leading to drowning, as per the death certificate issued by Singapore authorities. The state government is actively pursuing the post-mortem report to confirm details, with the Chief Secretary coordinating with the Singapore Ambassador.
Sarma, addressing the media on Sunday, emphasised the distinction between the death certificate and the autopsy report. "The Singapore High Commission sent the death certificate, mentioning drowning as the cause," he said, adding that documents would be forwarded to the CID for review.
Garg, renowned for his contributions to Assamese music and cinema, as well as Bollywood hits like "Ya Ali" from the 2006 film Gangster, sang in over 40 languages and was a symbol of Northeastern pride. His sudden death has sparked widespread grief across India, particularly in Assam, where he was celebrated for blending folk traditions with contemporary styles.
On Sunday morning, Garg's mortal remains arrived in Guwahati from Delhi, drawing thousands of fans to the Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex for tributes. The procession was described as one of the largest for an artist in recent memory, reflecting his immense popularity. Authorities have arranged for public viewing before the final rites, underscoring the state's recognition of his legacy.
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The Chief Minister announced a state funeral on September 23 at Kamarkuchi village, with the procession starting from the sports complex around 8 a.m. Garg was scheduled to perform at the festival on September 20 and 21, but his untimely demise cut short what was anticipated as a highlight. As investigations continue, tributes pour in from celebrities and fans, honouring his role in promoting Northeastern culture on national and international stages.
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