The untimely death of Zubeen Garg, a revered singer-composer from Assam, has plunged the Indian state into a state of collective mourning and unrest. Garg, often hailed as Assam’s ‘first true rockstar,’ tragically drowned during a yacht trip in Singapore on September 19, a day before he was scheduled to perform at a live concert. Initial reports from Singapore police ruled out foul play, but the circumstances surrounding his death have since sparked allegations of conspiracy and negligence, leaving his fans and family demanding answers.
Garg’s death has sent shockwaves through Assam, where he was not just a musician but a cultural icon. His career spanned 33 years, during which he sang in over 40 languages and dialects, earning nationwide fame with his hit song ‘Ya Ali’ from the 2006 Bollywood film ‘Gangster.’ Known for his flamboyant style and outspoken activism, Garg was deeply beloved by his fans, who saw him as a ‘king’ who championed the issues of northeast India.
In the wake of his death, Assam came to a standstill, with schools closed and markets deserted. Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects when his body was flown back to Guwahati, Assam’s main city. His cremation, conducted with state honors and a 21-gun salute, was attended by over a million people, many of whom sang lines from his popular song ‘Mayabini.’
However, grief has been accompanied by anger and suspicion. At least 60 complaints have been lodged with the state police, and five individuals who were with Garg in Singapore have been arrested on charges of negligence, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide. A special investigation team (SIT) and a judicial commission have been formed to probe the incident, but the lack of clarity about Garg’s final moments has fueled public outrage.
The controversy has also taken on political dimensions, with Assam’s ruling BJP and the opposition Congress trading accusations ahead of next year’s state assembly elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has vowed to deliver justice, even urging the public to hold him accountable if he fails.
Meanwhile, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has spoken out about her husband’s health issues, questioning why he was allowed to swim despite being visibly tired and on medication. She has called for those responsible to face the ‘strictest punishment.’
As the investigation continues, the mystery surrounding Garg’s death has left his family and fans in limbo, unable to fully grieve until the truth is uncovered.