The Coroner’s Court in Singapore on January 14 held the hearing that Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was “severely intoxicated” and had refused to wear a life vest before he drowned while swimming near Lazarus Island in September 2025. The details were shared during an ongoing coroner’s inquiry examining the circumstances leading to his death.
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According to The Straits Times, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim from the Police Coast Guard testified that the 53-year-old singer had consumed alcohol before entering the water. He told the court that Garg had jumped off a yacht despite being advised to wear a life vest.
Events leading to the drowning
ASP Lim said Garg’s friends tried to persuade him to swim back to the yacht after he entered the water. However, during the swim, Garg suddenly became motionless and was later seen floating face down.
“He was pulled back onto the yacht, and his friends attempted resuscitation,” ASP Lim told the court.
Garg was taken to hospital soon after, where he was pronounced dead on September 19, 2025. The cause of death was certified as drowning.
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The court was also informed that Garg was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, a cultural event organised by the Assamese community in the country. Widely regarded as one of Assam’s most popular and influential artistes, Garg enjoyed a massive following across north-eastern India.
ASP Lim was the first witness to testify in the inquiry, which was attended by members of the public as well as Garg’s uncle and nephew. The proceedings are ongoing.
During the hearing, videos recorded on witnesses’ mobile phones were played in court. The footage showed Garg removing his life jacket and later struggling to get back onto the yacht.
The court also noted that three associates of the singer: Siddhartha Sharma, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta; were charged with offences in India. The processings are still going on.
