The unfortunate passing of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has been met with widespread grief and has prompted numerous questions surrounding the circumstances of his death. Initial reports indicated that the 52-year-old singer died due to a scuba diving accident on September 19, 2025. Garg was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform.

According to reports, Zubeen Garg experienced breathing difficulties while scuba diving. A representative of the North East India Festival stated that Garg was immediately given CPR and rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) around 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time.

However, details surrounding the incident remain unclear. Some reports suggest that Garg went scuba diving, while others state he was simply swimming in the sea. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Garg had removed his life jacket while swimming. Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organizer of the North East India Festival, claimed that Garg was "swimming in the sea without a life jacket".

Adding to the complexity, the North East India Festival organizers have stated they were unaware that Garg was taken on a yacht ride by members of the local Assamese community. They emphasized that they had "no prior knowledge" of the excursion. The event manager for Zubeen Garg released a statement mentioning that the team learned of the accident after receiving a call from Zubeen's manager, informing them that he had been rushed to the hospital.

Following the incident, the North East India Festival, scheduled to take place from September 19-21, was cancelled. Tributes have poured in from fans, artists, and political figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning period. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called Garg "the pride of Assam and the nation". He also mentioned that an autopsy was conducted in Singapore, and arrangements were being made to bring Garg's body home to Guwahati, where it would lie in state for public tribute.

In light of the circumstances, the Assam government has decided to transfer the investigation of Zubeen Garg's death to the CID. This decision follows complaints against the festival organizer, Shyamkanu Mahanta, and Garg's manager, Siddharth Sharma. Chief Minister Sarma has assured a neutral investigation to uncover any potential wrong intentions and provide complete closure.