Assam is mourning the untimely death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore following complications during a scuba diving session. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has now shared that Singaporean authorities are conducting a post-mortem, expected to conclude by 2 PM SGT, after which Garg’s mortal remains will be handed over to Indian officials for repatriation. Sarma assured fans that the state government is closely coordinating the process to bring home the beloved artist.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, also visited Zubeen’s residence in Guwahati to express condolences to the late singer’s family. In an emotional message, Sarma acknowledged the immense grief across Assam, noting that “thousands of his admirers are waiting on the streets to have his last glimpse.” He pledged that every effort is being made to ensure Zubeen’s remains return home swiftly.
Across Assam, the atmosphere remains heavy with sorrow. Fans gathered in public spaces in Guwahati and Jorhat, openly grieving and paying heartfelt tributes to Garg, whose music has been a soundtrack of Assamese cultural identity. Many were seen breaking down, reflecting the emotional bond the singer shared with his people.
Details of his final moments were confirmed by the Northeast India Festival. The 51-year-old singer reportedly developed serious breathing difficulties during a scuba diving session in Singapore. Despite immediate CPR and rushed medical care at Singapore General Hospital, he was pronounced dead around 2:30 PM IST in the ICU, leaving admirers across India devastated.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation, including one from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed shock at Garg’s passing, remembering him for his “rich contribution to music” across languages and genres. From regional Assamese hits to iconic Bollywood songs like “Ya Ali” from Gangster, Zubeen Garg’s legacy as a versatile and soulful artist is etched deeply in India’s cultural memory.