A coroner's court in Singapore has heard that popular Assamese singer and composer Zubeen Garg drowned last September after entering the sea without a life jacket while 'severely intoxicated'. The 52-year-old was in the city-state ahead of a scheduled performance.
Details of the Fatal Yacht Outing
The incident occurred on 19 September when Garg joined a private yacht trip near Lazarus Island. According to evidence presented at the inquiry on Wednesday, Garg was in Singapore for the North East India Festival. Investigators stated that he initially swam with a life jacket but later removed it.
Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim testified that despite repeated reminders, Garg refused to wear a second, smaller life jacket offered to him. "The deceased then decided to resume swimming, and a smaller life jacket was placed over his shoulders but he refused to wear it," ASP Lim was quoted as saying.
The court heard that Garg entered the water a second time without any safety equipment and swam alone towards the island. Witnesses subsequently saw him turn back before he suddenly became motionless and floated face down. He was pulled onto the yacht where CPR was performed and later pronounced dead in hospital.
Toxicology and Medical History Findings
A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as drowning. Critical toxicology reports revealed Garg had a blood alcohol concentration of 333mg per 100ml. This level is more than four times Singapore's legal driving limit and would have severely impaired his coordination and reflexes.
The inquiry also reviewed Garg's medical history, which included hypertension and epilepsy. However, a forensic pathologist noted there were no physical signs, such as a bitten tongue, to indicate he suffered a seizure before drowning. It remains unclear if he had taken his epilepsy medication that day.
Video footage shown in court depicted Garg swimming during his first entry into the water and later struggling after he had taken off his life jacket.
Family's Quest for Answers and Ongoing Inquiry
During the proceedings, Garg's uncle expressed the family's profound difficulty in comprehending the sequence of events. He stated Garg left his hotel "alive and full of promise" only to be gone by the day's end. "Between those two moments lie a sequence of events the family doesn't fully understand," he told the court.
The family has sought clarity on several points:
- Who organised the yacht trip and who accompanied Garg?
- Were there any delays in providing medical assistance?
- Why did Garg enter the sea and was it entirely of his own free will?
State Coroner Adam Nakhoda emphasised that the inquiry's purpose is to establish the facts and circumstances of the death, not to assign criminal liability. He assured the family would have the opportunity to question witnesses. No foul play is suspected, with multiple witnesses confirming Garg showed no suicidal tendencies and entered the water voluntarily.
The coroner's inquiry is set to continue, with further hearings scheduled for 3 and 4 February.
