Guwahati: Singapore’s coroner’s court has concluded that Assamese singer Zubeen Garg died from accidental drowning, confirming the Police Coast Guard’s earlier finding of no foul play.
Singapore’s Channel News Asia (CNA) reported that State Coroner Adam Nakhoda described the death on Wednesday as a tragic accident caused by unintentional drowning.
Nakhoda explained that when police investigations find no evidence of wrongdoing and the public prosecutor agrees, it would be inappropriate for the coroner to imply that any crime had occurred.
The court clarified that nothing indicated that anyone forced or coerced Garg into the water. It further noted that no charges have been brought against anyone, and there is no evidence that those present deliberately held him underwater.
The coroner acknowledged that Garima Saikia Garg had raised questions about the investigation. He noted that the Police Coast Guard had conducted a thorough and detailed inquiry, and clarified that decisions regarding criminal responsibility are the responsibility of prosecuting authorities, not the coroner.
The court noted that Garg had entered the water voluntarily on both occasions, with those nearby attempting to help him. It also mentioned that he had consumed alcohol beforehand, which may have impaired his judgment. “Garg had been intoxicated, which probably influenced his decisions, including the choice not to wear a life jacket,” Nakhoda added.
Garg’s medical history, including hypertension and epilepsy, was considered by the court. Although a seizure before the drowning could not be completely ruled out, there was insufficient proof to confirm it.
The coroner found nothing suspicious about the invitation extended to Garg for his Singapore trip, noting that the Assam Association Singapore had organized the visit in good faith.
The verdict comes amid lingering questions from Garg’s family about whether he had voluntarily entered the water. At the same time, Assam has initiated related legal proceedings.
A fast-track court has been set up by the Gauhati High Court to examine cases linked to the incident, with Judge Sharmila Bhuyan assigned to hear matters concerning those present on the yacht at the time.