NATIONAL: Zubeen Garg: Scuba Diving Not Linked to His Death?
The sudden death of beloved Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, aged 52, in Singapore has turned into a web of intrigue.
What began as a reported scuba diving mishap now faces murder allegations against his close associates.
As investigations deepen, questions swirl about the final moments on a cruise ship during the Northeast India Festival.
Fans and family mourn a voice that defined regional music for decades.
Yet, emerging details from authorities paint a picture far from accidental.
The case, unfolding across borders, highlights vulnerabilities in international events.
Autopsy Reveals Swimming Tragedy
Singapore Police Force autopsy reports confirm Garg drowned while swimming off St. John’s Island on September 19.
This contradicts early accounts of a scuba incident, with officials handing findings to the Indian High Commission.
No signs of foul play emerged in initial medical exams, pointing to water inhalation as the cause.
Still, a social media video shows Garg swimming safely with a life jacket before venturing out unprotected.
Arrests Spark Murder Probe
Assam Police escalated the matter by registering murder charges against festival chief Shyamkanu Mahanta and manager Siddharth Sharma.
Both were detained Wednesday: Mahanta at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Sharma in a Gurugram apartment.
Authorities airlifted them to Guwahati for questioning, citing their 13-day absence post-incident.
The FIR includes culpable homicide, probing if negligence or intent led to the drowning.
Festival Ties and Early Confusion
Garg joined the Northeast India Festival on a cruise, where the mishap occurred.
Organizers swiftly denied scuba diving claims, insisting he was rushed to Singapore General Hospital unresponsive.
His sister, Palme Borthakur, voiced relief at the arrests, urging a thorough probe into event safety.
Eyewitnesses recall calm seas, fueling speculation over what pulled the singer under.
Path Forward in Cross-Border Inquiry
Singapore authorities have no criminal elements yet, but Indian police press on with forensic angles.
The video clip, now central evidence, may clarify if external forces were at play.
As Garg’s melodies echo in tributes, the nation watches closely. Will justice surface or submerge in ambiguity? The probe promises revelations soon.