The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Thursday clarified that its investigation into the death of noted singer Zubeen Garg is still ongoing and that, based on the findings so far, there is no evidence to suggest any foul play. Garg, who was scheduled to perform at the fourth Northeast India Festival held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 20, died under circumstances that initially raised questions after he collapsed while swimming in the sea.
In an official statement, the SPF said that its inquiries to date have not revealed anything suspicious surrounding the singer’s death. Quoting the police, news agency PTI reported that authorities do not currently suspect foul play. The Singapore Police also appealed for patience from all concerned parties, emphasising that investigations are being conducted carefully and professionally. The statement further urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and to avoid circulating unverified or misleading information while the process is underway.
The SPF added that once its investigation is formally completed, the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner in Singapore. A Coroner’s Inquiry will then be conducted to determine the precise cause and circumstances of Garg’s death. According to the police, this inquiry is scheduled to take place during January and February 2026, and the results will be made public after the proceedings conclude.
This clarification from the Singapore authorities came shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police in India filed a chargesheet in the case last week. The SIT charged four individuals with murder, including Garg’s secretary, Siddhartha Sharma, and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. The move by the Assam Police has added a new dimension to the case and stands in contrast to the position taken by the Singapore Police based on their investigation so far.
The developments have also triggered a sharp political controversy in Assam. The case has become a point of confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition party, the Congress. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following the filing of the SIT chargesheet.
In a post on social media platform X, Gogoi alleged that the chargesheet was not aimed at delivering justice but was instead intended to damage the reputation of the late singer. He accused the Chief Minister of attempting to tarnish Zubeen Garg’s public image and legacy, claiming that the actions taken were politically motivated. Gogoi described Garg as a towering cultural figure in Assam and urged people not to allow what he termed as political vendetta to undermine the singer’s legacy.
As investigations continue in both Singapore and India, the case remains under close public and political scrutiny, with differing narratives emerging from the authorities involved.
