The sudden death of acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has triggered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against the event organizers, prompting the Assam Police to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Garg, 52, was in Singapore to perform at the Northeast Festival, an annual event celebrating the culture of Northeast India, scheduled from September 19 to 21.
According to reports, Garg was on a yacht with a few Assamese individuals based in Singapore and members of his team when he experienced breathlessness and a seizure while swimming. He was reportedly swimming without a life jacket. Lifeguards administered CPR and rushed him to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead around 2:50 pm IST on Friday.
Following the tragic event, multiple FIRs have been filed against Shyam Kanu Mahanta, the chief organizer of the Northeast Festival, and his manager, Siddhartha Sharma. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam Police to transfer all the FIRs to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and register a consolidated case for a comprehensive investigation.
Advocate Ratul Borah lodged an FIR at the Morigaon Police Station, accusing Mahanta of playing a role in the singer's death. The complaint alleges that Mahanta's decision to invite Garg to perform abroad, coupled with alleged negligence or mismanagement, directly contributed to the singer's untimely death. The complaint further suggests that Mahanta's actions amounted to criminal negligence, arguing that his conduct created conditions that led to the fatal outcome. Another report suggests the FIR includes charges of criminal negligence against Mahanta, with Borah arguing that his alleged reckless and irresponsible actions directly contributed to the conditions that ultimately led to the tragic outcome.
Chief Minister Sarma has stated that the Assam Police will investigate the death of Zubeen Garg, and both Mahanta and Sharma, along with those who were present with the singer in his last moments, will be interrogated. There are also reports that the singer was taken to a party the night before his death, and authorities are trying to ascertain whether it is true.
Sarma confirmed that Zubeen Garg's mortal remains would be kept at Sarusajai Stadium for people to pay their last respects. The Indian High Commissioner in Singapore has sent a list of people who accompanied the singer. Singapore authorities are also questioning those who accompanied the singer. The autopsy was conducted on Saturday, and his body is expected to reach New Delhi on Saturday night and then Guwahati on a chartered flight early Sunday.
News of Zubeen Garg's death has sent shockwaves across Assam, sparking grief and anger among fans, artists, and the general public. Many are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for what they view as a preventable loss of one of Assam's most beloved cultural icons.
Zubeen Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, stated that Zubeen had suffered seizure attacks on several occasions earlier but had survived. She added that other team members rescued him after noticing something unusual. He was then kept in the ICU at Singapore General Hospital for about two hours.
The 4th North East India Festival, where Garg was scheduled to perform, has been canceled following his untimely demise. The organizers expressed their grief over the singer's death in a statement shared on Instagram.
