Guwahati, Sep 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that the Indian High Commissioner in Singapore Shilpak Ambule informed him that popular singer Zubeen Garg died while swimming without a life jacket in the island nation.
The autopsy would be conducted on Saturday, and “hopefully” his mortal remains could be brought to Assam in the evening, he said.
Zubeen went for swimming without a life jacket though the life guards had insisted that he should wear it, Sarma said.
The CM said that 18 people, including Zubeen, went on a yacht trip and swimming, and the singer was later found floating.
“The High Commissioner has sent me a list of people accompanying Zubeen and it includes 11 people, including one Abhimanyu Talukdar, who had booked the yacht, from the Assamese community living in Singapore, four members of the singer’s team, and two crew members,” he said after visiting the singer’s residence in Kahilipara area here.
The singer was found floating on the sea, and the life guards gave him immediate CPR before rushing him to the Singapore General Hospital where he was later declared dead, Sarma said.
Zubeen had arrived in Singapore on Wednesday to participate in the North East India Festival, which has been cancelled.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed grief over Zubeen’s demise, describing him as a musical icon of the Northeast whose legacy will continue to inspire generations. (Contd Posting on social media platform X, along with a picture of Zubeen performing, Sangma wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Zubeen Garg, a musical icon of the North East and the pride of Assam. His voice gave life to countless Assamese songs and bridged cultures through his art. He will remain a legend whose melodies will echo for generations. Extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. May he rest in peace.”
Tributes have poured in from across the region, with fans, political leaders, and fellow artists acknowledging his immense contribution to the arts and his role in uniting people through music. (With agency inputs)
