Guwahati [Assam]: Late singer Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has demanded accountability from those who accompanied the singer in Singapore during his final moments, saying the family deserves to know the truth about what led to his tragic death.

Zubeen, 52, passed away on September 19 in a swimming incident while attending the North East India Festival in Singapore. His mortal remains were flown back to Delhi and later transported to Guwahati, where thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects. He was cremated with full state honours in his native village, Kamarkuchi, around 20 km from Guwahati.

“We want answers,” says Garima

Speaking after the completion of the 11th day rituals, Garima said that the people present at the yacht must clarify the sequence of events.

“We want to know what happened to him, why it happened and how this negligence could be allowed? We want answers,” Garima told PTI.

She added that Zubeen looked “very exhausted” in the last video of him, and insisted on a proper inquiry into the circumstances.

Questions over negligence

Garima alleged that those accompanying Zubeen could have easily lifted him from the water.

“Why did they not lift him when they knew he was not in a condition to swim? They could have done so, as it was very easy to distract him,” she said.

She also revealed that Zubeen’s manager, Siddhartha Sharma, was fully aware of his medical condition. The singer, who suffered from epilepsy, was advised not to go near fire or water as it could trigger seizures.

“He has been taking only one medicine since August 2024 after a seizure attack. The medicine was sent with him to Singapore,” Garima confirmed.

Anger at organisers

Garima also criticised the role of North East India Festival organiser, Shyamkanu Mahanta, who was also a friend of Zubeen.

“He did nothing for Zubeen. I don’t want to say much about him, but he had a responsibility. Why were there no medical arrangements, no special assistance, no security measures?” she asked.

She expressed doubt that Zubeen was even aware of the yacht trip. “When we spoke a day before, he did not mention any such plan. Usually, he would be very excited about these things, but this time he said nothing. It is possible he didn’t know,” Garima added.

Call for deeper probe

The Assam government has already asked the Centre to invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to facilitate a proper investigation into Zubeen’s death.

Fans and well-wishers across Assam continue to mourn the singer, with many calling for accountability over the negligence that may have contributed to his passing. For Garima and her family, the questions remain unanswered, as they continue to seek closure over the untimely loss of the beloved artist.