On September 19, during a yacht outing off St John’s Island, Singapore, Indian singer and Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg fell ill and later died in hospital. What began as a reported water-related emergency has now widened into a criminal and financial probe.
Tragically for Zubeen Garg fans, his death occurred just a day before the singer was to perform at the North-East Festival 2025 in Singapore. Garg was to perform on September 20 at this event, which showcases products and the cultural heritage of India’s north-eastern region.
This week, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami has alleged that Garg was poisoned and that his manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta conspired to hide the truth. Law enforcement officers are investigating the new claims.
Sources in Singapore told Connected to India that several Indians in Singapore are being summoned to India — to be questioned by investigators — because they happened to be on the same yacht as Zubeen Garg when he went for a swim in the sea and drowned.
A viral video that captured the final moments of Zubeen Garg on the yacht and in the sea is part of the investigation. The Singapore Police Force earlier asked that the video should not be further circulated.
The latest update
Goswami, who was on the yacht, has given a formal statement to Assam CID. He says he saw Zubeen gasping, frothing from the mouth and nose, and behaving in a way that, he believes, is not consistent with a simple drowning. He has alleged that Sharma and Mahanta tried to control the scene — the drinks, the videos, and who was allowed to act. These allegations are now part of the CID record.
#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam: Late singer Zubeen Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg, says, "…If someone has done something wrong and is proven guilty, the ultimate punishment should be given to that person…Zubeen Garg has to get justice."
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2025
"…Whatever the Government has decided,… pic.twitter.com/ts5ZiSdyBR
Both Sharma and Mahanta have denied the poisoning claim. Both have been taken into custody for questioning as part of the Assam probe. Media reports say FIRs have been registered and serious sections of law have been invoked.
#WATCH | Singer Zubeen Garg death case | Biswanath: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "The Government of Assam has constituted a judicial commission under the chairmanship of a sitting judge of Guwahati High Court, Soumitra Saikia. Anyone who wants to speak or provide us with… pic.twitter.com/6rjf330yS7
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2025
Investigators say they have recovered documentary material and transaction records that look suspicious. Because of these findings, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income-Tax department have visited Assam CID and are likely to join a parallel financial investigation.
Quick timeline — from the day of Zubeen Garg death to present day
- 19 September 2025 — The incident (Singapore)
Garg fell ill while on a yacht outing near St John’s Island. He was taken to Singapore General Hospital and later died. The Singapore Police Force began enquiries.
- Late September — Singapore autopsy shared
Singapore authorities carried out an autopsy and shared a copy of the findings with Indian officials. Early public wording linked the incident to drowning in preliminary findings.
- After repatriation — family and public ask questions
The body came back to Assam. Family members asked for more clarity and pushed for further forensic checks. Fans and the public demanded a full inquiry.
- Second post-mortem in Assam
Assam authorities ordered a second post-mortem at Gauhati Medical College. The second report was handed to Garg’s wife and is now part of the CID file.
- FIRs, CID/SIT probe and arrests
Assam CID set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT). FIRs were registered. Several people connected to the trip were taken into custody for questioning, including the manager and the festival organiser. Charges reported include culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy and later additions related to murder.
- Goswami’s statement and case escalation
Goswami’s detailed statement alleging poisoning, control of drinks, and suppression of videos prompted investigators to widen the probe. This is the key turning point from ‘accident’ to suspected criminal action in media accounts.
- Financial angle opened
CID reports old financial irregularities linked to Mahanta from his earlier job at an NBFC. ED and I-T teams have visited CID; steps to probe money trails and benami properties are expected.
- Judicial commission ordered
Assam government has set up a one-man judicial commission to look into the death and into how the investigation is being handled. The commission will examine cross-border evidence sharing and police action.
