The sudden death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has prompted investigations by local authorities and mourning across India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that Singaporean authorities are questioning individuals who were with the singer before his death. An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Saturday.

Garg, 52, was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival, scheduled for September 20 and 21. Initial reports indicated that he died in a scuba diving accident. However, conflicting reports have emerged, with some sources stating he experienced a seizure while swimming. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Zubeen Garg died while swimming without a life jacket. According to news agency PTI, Sarma said that Singapore authorities will question the people who had accompanied Zubeen Garg for swimming.

According to reports, Garg initially jumped into the sea from a yacht wearing a life jacket, but then removed it, stating that he felt uncomfortable swimming with it on. Shortly after, he was found floating in the sea, unresponsive. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead around 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time.

The North East Festival organizers issued a statement expressing their grief and announcing the cancellation of the event. They clarified that Garg had gone on a yacht trip with members of the local Assamese community, an arrangement they were unaware of. Anuj Kumar Boruah, one of the festival organizers, stated that Garg experienced breathing difficulties while scuba diving and was immediately given CPR before being taken to the hospital.

Chief Minister Sarma has been in contact with the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, to expedite the process of repatriating Garg's remains to Assam. He also visited Garg's residence in Guwahati to offer condolences to his family. Efforts are underway to bring his mortal remains back to Assam, possibly by Saturday evening, where they will be kept at Sarusajai sports complex for public tribute.

News of Garg's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Modi expressed his shock and sorrow, recognizing Garg's significant contribution to music. Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Garg's impact on Assamese music and culture, calling his death a "terrible tragedy".

Zubeen Garg was a cultural icon in Assam, known for his versatile talent as a singer, songwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He sang thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other languages, gaining national recognition with his hit song "Ya Ali" from the film Gangster.

In 2022, Garg was airlifted to Guwahati after suffering a head injury from a fall in Dibrugarh. He had complained of uneasiness and fell in the washroom of a resort. Doctors confirmed he had an epileptic fit and received stitches for his head injury.