The Assam Congress has called for a transparent and independent inquiry into the mysterious death of renowned Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has written an official letter to Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, demanding the public release of the autopsy and coroner’s report to uphold transparency and public confidence.
In the letter dated October 18, 2025, Saikia described the circumstances surrounding Garg’s death as “deeply concerning” and urged the Singapore government to conduct a full and impartial coroner’s inquiry under the Coroners Act, 2010. He highlighted that Zubeen had travelled to Singapore as the Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival, a diplomatic event co-hosted by the Indian High Commission in Singapore to commemorate 60 years of India-Singapore relations.
Saikia raised several serious concerns, alleging gross negligence on the part of those accompanying the artist. He noted that Garg’s personal physician had advised him to avoid water-based activities due to a diagnosed seizure condition, and that this information was known to his manager, accompanist, and event organisers. Despite these warnings, a private yacht party was reportedly organised where water activities took place without proper medical supervision or flotation support. 
Citing witness statements and video footage, Saikia claimed that Zubeen had removed his life jacket after feeling discomfort, and that crucial medical details were not disclosed to the yacht company, crew, or emergency responders. He further alleged that the same individuals may have misled Singapore Police by withholding information about Garg’s health, potentially leading authorities to treat the case prematurely as an accident.
In his appeal, Saikia urged the Singapore government to ensure:
– A full coroner’s inquiry encompassing all medical, forensic, and eyewitness evidence.
– Evidence-sharing and cooperation among the Singapore Police, the Indian High Commission in Singapore, and the Assam Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).
– Public disclosure of the coroner’s findings and autopsy report to ensure transparency.
Quoting provisions of the Coroners Act, Saikia emphasized that Garg’s death qualifies as a “reportable death,” given the “violent or unnatural” circumstances. He also requested that Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, be allowed to participate in the inquiry as a “properly interested person.”
Describing Zubeen Garg as “not merely a celebrated artist but a socio-cultural leader and a cultural envoy of Assam and the Northeast,” Saikia underscored that the incident, which occurred during an event celebrating India-Singapore friendship, carries a diplomatic significance that warrants full accountability.
