Zubeen Garg Death Row: Chronology

Zubeen Garg, the iconic Assamese singer known for hits like Ya Ali from Gangster (2006) and his extensive contributions to Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood music, passed away at age 52 on September 19, 2025, in Singapore. His death, initially reported as a scuba diving accident, has been officially attributed to drowning, amid revelations of prior health issues including epileptic seizures and blackouts. The incident has sparked widespread grief in Assam, tributes from national leaders, and an ongoing investigation into potential negligence by event organizers. Below is a timeline of key events, based on official statements, media reports, and social media updates up to September 22, 2025.
Zubeen Garg, in Singapore for the 4th North East India Festival (scheduled for September 20), participates in a sea outing with friends from the Assamese community. A viral video later surfaces showing him on a yacht, wearing a life jacket, appearing cheerful. He had arrived in Singapore two days earlier, excited to perform.

Chronoly of events as follow:

Sept 19:

• During an outing, Garg reportedly goes swimming (initially reported as scuba diving). Crew members had advised him to wear a life jacket, but he re-enters the water without one. He struggles and drowns.
• Garg is rescued from the water and given CPR on-site by companions or crew. He is rushed to Singapore General Hospital and admitted to the ICU for emergency treatment.
• Despite medical efforts, Garg is declared dead at Singapore General Hospital. The initial cause of death is reported as drowning, possibly triggered by an epileptic seizure, given his known medical history of seizures and blackouts.
• News of Garg’s death breaks in India, shocking fans and the Assamese community. Social media erupts with grief and disbelief as unverified reports circulate.
• Organizers of the 4th North East India Festival, led by Shyamkanu Mahanta, issue a statement confirming Garg’s death, calling it a “monumental loss to Assam and India.” The festival is canceled.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contacts the Indian High Commission in Singapore to coordinate the repatriation of Garg’s body and facilitate an autopsy. Sarma announces three days of state mourning in Assam and pledges support to Garg’s family.
• National leaders and celebrities pay tributes: PM Narendra Modi posts on X, describing Garg as a “rich contributor to music” and a cultural icon. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge call him “Assam’s voice” and a “cultural ambassador.”Actor Adil Hussain and singer Papon express personal devastation, highlighting Garg’s influence.
• Viral content emerges: A video of Garg’s final social media post inviting fans to the festival (“I’ll be there with you…”). Footage of him performing Tears in Heaven at a Singapore restaurant hours before the incident. Initial reports spark confusion, with some outlets mentioning a “scuba diving accident” (later clarified as swimming).
• Chief Minister Sarma visits Garg’s family, accompanied by his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. They honor the family’s wish to conduct funeral rites near Guwahati. Sarma assures the public that the investigation into Garg’s death will be thorough.

20 Sept:

• The autopsy of Zubeen Garg is completed at Singapore General Hospital. No immediate results are released publicly, but preliminary reports continue to point to drowning as the cause of death. The body is prepared for repatriation to India.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announces a full inquiry into the circumstances of Garg’s death. He speaks with Singapore’s High Commissioner Simon Wong to ensure coordination on the autopsy and repatriation process. Sarma emphasizes transparency and support for Garg’s family.
• Multiple FIRs are filed in Assam against festival organizers Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, alleging negligence. Accusations include ignoring Garg’s known health issues (epileptic seizures and blackouts) and allowing him to participate in a risky sea outing without adequate safety measures. The cases are transferred to the Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a consolidated probe into potential negligence and the “controversy angle” surrounding the event’s organization.
• Garg’s body is handed over to his companions (Shekar Jothi Goswami, Sandeepan Garg and Siddhartha Sharma) in Singapore for repatriation to India. Arrangements are made to transport the body to Guwahati, Assam.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma receives Garg’s mortal remains at Delhi airport before they are flown to Guwahati. Sarma accompanies the body, emphasizing Garg’s role as a “favorite son” of Assam.

21 Sept:

• Garg’s body arrives in Guwahati, met by massive crowds of grieving fans. Thousands gather at Sarusajai Stadium (Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex) for a public viewing.
• Thousands of fans continue to gather in Guwahati, with crowds swelling at Sarusajai Stadium (Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex) where Garg’s body, draped in a traditional Assamese gamosa and placed in a glass casket, is on public display. Reports describe emotional scenes, with people fainting from heat and grief; medical teams are deployed on-site.
• The public viewing at Sarusajai Stadium draws lakhs of mourners, turning into one of Assam’s largest gatherings. Sarma announces the body will remain on display through the night and into September 22.
• Singapore government issues Garg’s official death certificate, confirming the cause of death as “drowning” at 17:13 Singapore time (2:43 PM IST) on September 19. Sarma briefs media in Guwahati, clarifying this is not the full post-mortem report but promising transparency from the ongoing CID probe.
• Calls intensify for a CBI investigation: Activist Akhil Gogoi publicly demands it, arguing the CID probe is insufficient for potential negligence by organizers.
• Social media floods with tributes: Viral videos include a resurfaced clip of the U.S. Air Force Band performing Garg’s Mayabini Raatir Bukut, symbolizing his global reach.
• Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a musician who accompanied Garg on the yacht, speaks to media for the first time. He describes the incident—Garg foaming at the mouth and nose while swimming, turning blue, and becoming unresponsive— claiming he was unaware of Garg’s medical restrictions and followed the singer’s lead. Goswami notes crew warnings about the life jacket were ignored.

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