Singapore court rules Zubeen Garg’s death an accidental drowning, cites exhaustion and finds no foul play in the yacht incident 

Singapore court ruling on Garg's death
Zubeen Garg (Image via East Mojo)

A coroner’s court in Singapore has ruled that the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in September 2025 was an accidental drowning. The finding was submitted on Wednesday, 25th March, by State Coroner Adam Nakhoda, who said there was no reason to doubt the conclusions reached earlier by the Police Coast Guard.

According to the report, the coroner carefully examined all the evidence and agreed with the investigation, which found no signs of foul play in Garg’s death.

What happened on the Yacht

During the inquiry, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim told the court that Garg had consumed alcohol before jumping into the water from a yacht. He also said the singer had refused to wear a life jacket. 

Lim stated that Garg became motionless in the water while his friends tried to convince him to return to the yacht. Witnesses also told the court that he did not show any signs of suicidal behaviour and was not under any pressure before entering the water.

On the same day, the yacht captain’s assistant confirmed that no one had forced Garg to drink or go swimming. He added that all passengers had been clearly instructed to wear life jackets before entering the water.

Exhaustion played a key role

According to a report by The Straits Times, the coroner noted that Garg appeared to be exhausted even before his final swim. According to the findings, he had initially jumped into the water wearing a life jacket but later removed it because it did not fit him properly.

“It was apparent he was already exhausted by the short swim. I find the exhaustion was apparent by the fact he was unable to get onto the yacht himself and required assistance,” the coroner said. Despite this, Garg chose to go for another swim. The report said he refused to wear a smaller life jacket even when someone tried to persuade him.

“Ultimately, his efforts were to no avail. Garg steadfastly refused to wear or allow the man to put the life jacket on him… Having reviewed video evidence, his swim strokes appeared to be more akin to doggy paddling. It resembled the swim stroke of a fatigued person,” the coroner added. Soon after, Garg started swimming back slowly towards the yacht and likely lost consciousness. Others in the water rushed to help him “to the best of their abilities,” but he could not be saved.

No delay in rescue efforts

The coroner also made it clear that there was no delay in rescue efforts. He said there was no evidence of any delay in giving first aid or in taking Garg back to the mainland for medical help.

Garg had been in Singapore as a cultural ambassador for the North East India Festival. Before the event began, he went on a yacht outing organised by members of the Assam Association Singapore. He lost consciousness while swimming and was later declared dead at the hospital. His death certificate had also listed drowning as the cause.

Parallel case in Assam

Meanwhile, in Assam, police have taken a different view of the incident. Authorities have charged four people with murder, claiming that Garg was made to consume alcohol and was encouraged to enter the water.

The case is currently being heard in a court in Guwahati, where a fast-track trial has been ordered. The outcome of that case is still awaited.

The Singapore court verdict is expected to have no influence on the probe in Assam. Because, while the Singapore probe was entirely on the incident that led to the death, the case in Assam is much larger, and the people arrested are accused of conspiracy and negligence that led to the drowning. Notably, Zubeen Garg was an epilepsy patient, and he was advised to stay away from fire and water. Therefore, his manager and other associates during the trip are accused of not taking proper care of the cultural icon, and not letting him get proper rest.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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