Who Was Zubeen Garg?
When I first heard about Zubeen Garg’s untimely passing, it felt like a personal loss. Zubeen wasn’t just any singer; he was the voice of a generation in Northeast India, beloved nationally for his unique blend of Assamese folk and modern music. With a career spanning 33 years, he sang in over 40 languages and dialects, giving voice to hopes, love, and struggles.
His iconic tracks like “Ya Ali” resonated beyond borders, making him a cultural icon not only in Assam but in the larger Indian music world. Fans saw him as more than an artist—he was a cultural ambassador.
The Tragic Incident and Conflicting Reports
Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025, under circumstances that have been anything but clear. Initial news hinted at a paragliding accident; then it shifted to scuba diving mishaps, and finally, the official death certificate cited drowning as the cause. The reconciliation of these conflicting reports has sparked widespread confusion and suspicions among fans and the wider public.
Further complicating the narrative were social media clips of Zubeen swimming without a life jacket despite medical advice urging caution, heightening concerns about safety. Most heartbreakingly, reports later confirmed Zubeen suffered a seizure while swimming, leading to his demise.
The #JusticeForZubeenGarg Movement on Social Media
The hashtag #JusticeForZubeenGarg exploded across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook almost immediately. Fans, friends, and fellow artists demanded transparency and accountability, questioning the events leading to his death and the roles of people accompanying him during the incident.
I remember scrolling through emotional videos of large gatherings holding portraits, lighting candles, and chanting his songs, creating a powerful digital and real-world movement. The call was for careful investigation, justice, and to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Public Outcry and Government Response
The public outcry didn’t go unnoticed. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a second post-mortem, responding to the massive outpouring of grief and demands for clarity. Multiple FIRs were filed against festival organizers and people believed to have had responsibility during the incident.
While the government emphasized avoiding conspiracy theories, they acknowledged the need for transparency by ordering new investigations and closer scrutiny on the festival management.
Investigation Details and Second Autopsy
The second autopsy was conducted at Guwahati Medical College on September 23, 2025, under AIIMS Guwahati supervision. It aimed to quell doubts and provide final clarity regarding the cause of death.
The investigation team has included numerous witnesses, collected videos, and tried to get statements from Zubeen’s manager and associates; some resistance was reported in sharing materials, which fueled more public suspicion.
Fan Reactions and Emotional Tributes
Fans across India and beyond gathered in massive numbers at Prag Tower, Ulubari, and other locations to honor Zubeen. Online, #JusticeForZubeenGarg remained a central hub for sharing memories, poems, and demands for justice.
There were touching moments—fans singing his songs, sharing stories of how Zubeen’s music changed their lives, and making heartfelt pleas to political leaders for action. I was struck by the unity and grief sweeping through Assam and the wider community.
Table: Timeline of Key Events
FAQs
The official cause was drowning following a seizure while swimming, as per the death certificate and medical reports from Singapore, with a second autopsy conducted in Assam for further clarity.
Fans seek transparency and answers due to inconsistent reports, possible negligence, and the unclear circumstances of Zubeen’s death during the North East India Festival.
Authorities have ordered a second post-mortem and launched investigations including FIRs against involved parties like organizers and managers.
Fans have organized vigils, massively used the hashtag #JusticeForZubeenGarg, and shared heartfelt tributes demanding accountability and honoring his legacy.
The ongoing official investigations and second autopsy aim to provide clarity. However, public skepticism remains, emphasizing the importance for authorities to communicate findings transparently.








