Authorities in Singapore have ruled out foul play at this stage in the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg, even as a formal coroner’s inquiry remains pending to establish the precise cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Singapore Police Force have said that investigations into Garg’s death are continuing under the country’s Coroners Act, but stressed that nothing so far points to criminal involvement. Garg died on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at the 4th Northeast India Festival.
In a statement issued on December 18, the police said the matter remains under investigation in accordance with the Singapore Coroners Act 2010. “Based on our investigations so far, the SPF does not suspect foul play in the death of Garg,” the statement said.
The authorities added that once the probe is completed, its findings will be submitted to the State Coroner. A Coroner’s Inquiry has been scheduled for January and February 2026 and will serve as a fact-finding exercise to determine the cause and circumstances of the death. Its conclusions will be made public after the inquiry concludes.
Emphasising caution, Singapore police underlined their approach to the case. “We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved. Meanwhile, we urge the public not to speculate and spread unverified information,” the statement said, reiterating that the investigation would be conducted in a “thorough and professional” manner.
Also read: SIT submits 3,500-page chargesheet in Zubeen Garg death case
Garg, a prominent name in the Indian music industry, had travelled to Singapore for the festival performance scheduled for September 20 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. His sudden death triggered widespread concern and questions in both Singapore and India.
The latest update from Singapore contrasts with developments in India, where a Special Investigation Team has taken a markedly different legal view. The SIT has filed a chargesheet accusing four individuals of murder in connection with Garg’s death.
Those named include Garg’s secretary, Siddhartha Sharma, and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. The chargesheet was filed last week, adding a new dimension to a case that now involves parallel legal processes in two countries.
While Singapore authorities have maintained that their investigation remains open and subject to the coroner’s findings, the divergent approaches have drawn significant public attention, with the final determination in Singapore expected only after the inquiry concludes early next year.
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