Who was Zubeen Garg
-
Zubeen Garg was a popular singer, composer, actor, and cultural figure from Assam, India.
-
He was especially famous nationally for songs like “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006), but he had a diverse body of work across Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other languages.
When and How He Died
-
Date of Death: 19 September 2025 in Singapore.
-
Cause: The death certificate issued by Singapore authorities lists the cause as drowning. He reportedly experienced breathing difficulties while engaging in a scuba-diving point / swimming outing (sometimes described as a scuba‐diving accident; reports differ slightly). He was given CPR and rushed to Singapore General Hospital but later declared dead.
Additional Details/Uncertainties:
• There is some confusion or dispute about whether he wore a life jacket, and whether he removed it. Some reports say the life jacket was oversized, causing him discomfort.
• A second post-mortem/autopsy has been ordered (to take place in Guwahati) amid public demand and to ensure transparency.
Funeral, Honors, and State Response
-
The Assam government declared three days of state mourning after Zubeen Garg‘s death.
-
Cremation / Last Rites: Scheduled for 23 September 2025 near Guwahati (at Kamarkuchi NC village) with full state honours.
-
His mortal remains were brought to Guwahati; large numbers of fans lined up streets to pay respects.
-
The body was kept at the Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, Sarusajai) for public viewing before the final rites.
Controversies & Investigations
-
FIRs (First Information Reports) have been filed against the event organiser and the singer’s manager, with allegations of negligence regarding safety measures.
-
Public outcry / demand for clarity: Because some people believe there may have been lapses (life jacket use, supervision, etc.), a second autopsy has been ordered.
-
Official evidence like the death certificate is already stating “drowning” as the cause; still, differences remain between that and what a post-mortem might show.
Public & Cultural Response
-
Massive public grief, especially in Assam. Shops closed, people took to the streets to show respect.
-
Tributes from political leaders, celebrities, and fan communities across India. Many are calling his loss a major blow to music and Assamese culture.
-
Plans for memorials: Assam government has allocated land for building a memorial in his name.
What Is Still Unclear
-
Exactly what triggered the breathing difficulty (whether seizure or another medical issue) during swimming / scuba diving. Some reports mention a seizure; others mention issues with the life jacket.
-
Full results of the post-mortem report, especially the second autopsy in Assam, are awaited.
-
If any legal consequences will follow depending on investigation findings.
Conclusion
The sudden loss of Zubeen Garg has left a huge void in Indian music, especially in Assam. While the cause of death has officially been stated as drowning, many questions remain about the safety, circumstances, and exact chain of events. The public, media, and government are pushing for full transparency, including detailed autopsy reports and accountability where needed. His death is being mourned widely, and the state is honoring him with full state ceremonies and memorials.
