Singer Zubin Garg drowned accidentally, and there is no evidence of foul play, a Singapore coroner’s court ruled on Wednesday. State coroner Adam Nakhoda said the court had no reason to disagree with the conclusions of police, who determined the crash was a tragic accident.
Garg, who was in Singapore to attend a cultural festival and was scheduled to perform at a concert, died on September 19, 2025, during a private outing on a yacht. Evidence presented during the coroner’s inquest suggested that Garg had consumed alcohol before boarding the yacht and appeared visibly unstable. Witnesses told the court that he was initially wearing a lifejacket when he first entered the water, but later took it off due to poor fitness.
The court found that Garg returned to the yacht in an exhausted state and tried to swim again. “Despite being offered a life jacket of appropriate size, he refused to wear it,” the court said. She added that those present tried to convince him to use safety equipment.
Singapore Police said video evidence reviewed during the investigation showed Garg’s swimming was stressful and unstable. He turned back toward the yacht, perhaps out of fatigue or physical discomfort, before becoming unresponsive in the water.
Other swimmers quickly moved to help him and returned him to the ship. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed and emergency services were alerted. Garg was taken to Singapore General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Toxicology results showed a high level of alcohol in his bloodstream, which the court said would significantly impair his coordination and judgement.
The coroner noted Garg’s medical history, including high blood pressure and epilepsy, but said there was not enough evidence to conclude that a seizure occurred at the time of the accident.
The court addressed the concerns raised by Garg’s family and said that the investigation was comprehensive and found no indication that anyone had forced or coerced him into the water or contributed to his death through an intentional act.
Garg’s death sparked anger, protests and demands for accountability. Separate criminal proceedings are still pending in Assam against individuals linked to Garg’s trip to Singapore.
The Assam government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into Garg’s death. Prime Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the incident as a plain and simple murder.
An investigation team traveled to Singapore in October last year after diplomatic intervention. After nearly three months of investigation, the SIT filed a 12,000-page chargesheet in December 2025. Seven people, including Garg’s cousin and an Assam Police officer, were arrested.
The Assam government formed a fast-track court in October to hear the case. The Supreme Court agreed to hold daily hearings in this case this month.
