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Two days after the untimely demise of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, the Singapore government has issued his death certificate, listing the cause of death as “drowning.” The news was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference, where he clarified that the cause stated in the certificate is preliminary, and the official post-mortem report is still awaited.
“We will send the documents to the CID,” the Chief Minister said. “The Chief Secretary of the Assam government is in touch with the Singapore Ambassador to obtain the post-mortem report at the earliest.”
Meanwhile, Zubeen’s mortal remains were brought back to India on Sunday. His body was kept at Bhogeshwar Baruah Stadium to allow the public to pay their last respects. However, due to the massive turnout, the state government extended the mourning period.
Sharing an update on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister wrote: “More and more people wish to see our beloved Zubeen one last time, and we deeply understand these sentiments. Therefore, Bhogeswar Baruah Stadium will remain open throughout the night for the public to pay their respects. Tomorrow as well, his mortal remains will be kept at Sarusajai for people to offer their homage.”
In preparation for the funeral, CM Sarma personally inspected the site where the singer will be laid to rest. “Inspected the site where Zubeen will be put to rest,” he shared on Sunday night. “My officers will work through the night and tomorrow to prepare the site for his funeral. All necessary work—such as earth filling and boundary marking—will be done to preserve the sanctity of the location.”
Zubeen Garg’s final rites will take place at Kamarkuchi village on September 23 at around 8:00 AM.
“We will carry Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains from Arjun Bhogeshwar Baruah Sports Complex at around 8 AM on September 23 to Kamarkuchi, where the last rites will be performed,” the Chief Minister announced. “A state funeral will be held in his honour.”
The news of Zubeen Garg’s sudden passing first broke on Friday, with reports indicating that he died while scuba diving in Singapore. The singer was in the country serving as the brand ambassador for the North East India Festival.
ALSO READ | Zubeen Garg’s body arrives at Guwahati airport; thousands gather to get last glimpse
Following his death, the event organisers issued a statement: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Zubeen Garg’s passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite all efforts, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2:30 PM IST.”
In the aftermath, an FIR was lodged at Morigaon Police Station against organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma. The complaint alleged they were “part of a conspiracy” and had taken Zubeen abroad under the pretext of a performance, with the alleged intent to harm him.
Commenting on the matter, CM Sarma said: “Assam Police will thoroughly investigate Zubeen Garg’s death. Both Mahanta and Sharma, along with others present during his final hours, will be interrogated.”
There were also media reports suggesting that the singer had attended a party the night before his death. The Chief Minister confirmed that this too would be investigated.
In another development, CM Himanta claimed that the singer was swimming without a life jacket despite repeated warning from lifeguards.
ALSO READ | Thousands of fans bid adieu to Zubeen Garg at Guwahati stadium
Amid the growing public unrest and conspiracy theories, Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has appealed for calm and compassion. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Saturday, she wrote: “Zubeen will come home soon, and I request everyone to show him the same love and respect in death as they did during his lifetime, so that he may rest in peace.”
Garima also urged the public not to vilify Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen’s long-time manager. “Zubeen never said an unkind word to Siddhartha and would not tolerate any negativity against him,” she said. “Please allow him to be part of Zubeen’s final journey without any ill-will.”
She also revealed that Siddhartha had taken significant risks to care for Zubeen during a serious seizure episode at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The singer was famously known for his song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster.
After Zubeen’s mortal remains were brought to Assam, a video of Garima paying her last respects to her husband surfaced online. In the video, she could be seen crying inconsolably.
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