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Beloved Singer Zubeen Garg Passes Away Unexpectedly
In a heartbreaking loss to the world of music, renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg tragically passed away in Singapore on Friday following a fatal scuba diving accident. The 52-year-old, famed across India for hit songs like “Ya Ali,” died while engaging in a water activity during his trip to Singapore for the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Rescue Efforts
According to reports, Garg was on a yacht tour arranged by members of the local Assamese community when he took part in scuba diving. During the dive, he faced sudden breathing difficulties and fell into the sea. Singapore police and medical teams acted quickly to rescue him from the water. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital and placed in intensive care, but sadly, doctors were unable to save him. He was declared dead at approximately 2:30 PM local time.
Investigation Underway; Autopsy Expected
Authorities in Singapore have begun questioning those who accompanied Garg during the trip to piece together the events leading to the tragedy. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that an autopsy is likely to take place on Saturday. The Chief Minister is coordinating closely with the Indian High Commission in Singapore and local officials to facilitate the repatriation of Garg’s body to Assam, expected by Saturday evening.
Autopsy and Ongoing Investigation
Following the tragic passing of Zubeen Garg, Singaporean authorities have begun a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that those who accompanied Garg during the scuba diving trip are being questioned to understand the events leading up to the incident.
An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Saturday to determine the exact cause of death, which remains officially pending. The Chief Minister emphasized that coordination with the Indian High Commission and Singapore officials is underway to facilitate the smooth repatriation of Garg’s body to Assam, anticipated later on the same day.
Preliminary reports indicated that Garg encountered breathing difficulties while scuba diving without a life jacket, leading to his fall into the sea. Despite rapid rescue and medical efforts at Singapore General Hospital, he was pronounced dead around 2:30 PM IST. The autopsy will provide a clearer medical explanation and confirm the precise factors contributing to this tragic accident.
Mourning a Cultural Icon
Zubeen Garg was more than just a singer — he was a cultural phenomenon who lent his voice to Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and over 40 other languages and dialects. His melodious rendition of “Ya Ali” from the 2006 Bollywood film Gangster made him a household name across India. His contribution to music transcended regional boundaries, earning him millions of admirers.
The Chief Minister of Assam, along with many political leaders, musicians, and fans, expressed profound grief over his sudden demise. “Today, Assam has lost one of its most beloved sons,” Sarma said, “Zubeen’s voice had a unique power to inspire and connect with people’s hearts. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our music and culture.”
Legacy and Final Tribute
Garg had arrived in Singapore just two days before the incident and was eagerly anticipated at the festival. The event organizers expressed deep sorrow at the loss and announced the cancellation of the festival in light of his passing. They conveyed that the yacht trip and scuba diving activity were arranged without prior knowledge of their team, adding to the suddenness of the tragedy.
Thousands of his fans gathered outside his residence in Guwahati, hoping for a last glimpse of the man who shaped the soundscape of North East India. Tributes have poured in from all corners of the world, celebrating Garg’s lifelong dedication to music and his unmatched ability to unite diverse audiences through song.

