[Watch] Zubeen Garg’s Final Moments Before Fatal Swim: Life Jacket Removed, Warnings Ignored

Singapore: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had confirmed that popular singer Zubeen Garg died while swimming in Singapore without wearing a life jacket. He further revealed that Garg was asked by the lifeguards to wear the safety gear, reported Hindustan Times.

Garg, 52, tragically lost his life after a swimming incident in Singapore. According to Sarma, the singer was among a group of 18 people on a yacht trip that included a swim.

At the time of the swim, Garg was initially wearing a life jacket, but after a short while he removed it, saying it was too large and that he was finding it difficult to swim. Lifeguards had urged him to wear the safety gear prior to the swim.

Shortly afterwards, Garg was discovered floating in the sea. Lifeguards and crew immediately administered CPR, and he was then rushed to Singapore General Hospital where he was declared dead.

Autopsy procedures were completed in Singapore. His body was handed over in the presence of Indian embassy officials, and arrangements are being made to bring his mortal remains back to India, first to New Delhi and then to Guwahati. Public tributes and last rites are being organized in his home state.

FIRs Filed; Investigation to Probe Possible Controversy

The Assam government has responded by filing multiple First Information Reports (FIRs). FIRs have been registered against Shyam Kanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of the Northeast Festival, and his manager Siddhartha Sharma. Chief Minister Sarma has ordered that all FIRs be transferred to the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and consolidated into a single case.

Authorities are aiming to investigate all angles, particularly whether any oversight or negligence contributed to Garg’s death. During the investigation, Singapore authorities are also questioning those who accompanied Garg on the yacht.