Investigations into death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg concluded with no evidence of foul play: Police

Following a coroner's inquiry into the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg, whose death was ruled an accidental drowning, the police said on Wednesday (April 1) that their investigations into the death have also concluded.

"There is no evidence of foul play," they said.

They added that investigations were conducted in accordance with the Singapore Coroners Act, with investigators examining all available evidence and recording statements from all witnesses deemed to be relevant to the case.

Investigations established that Garg was on a yacht trip in the waters off Lazarus Island.

The 52-year-old was found to be initially wearing a life jacket while swimming, but later removed it and returned to the yacht without the life jacket on him.

He then entered the water a second time, swam alone, and away from the yacht without a life jacket, despite being offered one before entering the water.

While swimming back to the yacht, he became unresponsive, and was "promptly rescued" by the captain of the yacht and members of his group.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately administered.

Police coast guard boat responded shortly following an emergency call and rendered assistance to Garg.

He was also attended to by paramedics upon reaching shore and was taken by ambulance to Singapore General Hospital, where he later died.

During the coroner's inquiry, the coroner similarly concluded that there was no evidence of any delay of administration of first aid, nor delay in getting Garg back to the mainland and to a hospital.

An autopsy report found that Garg had 333mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system, which would have caused severe intoxication and impacted his coordination. It is more than four times Singapore's legal limit of 80mg per 100ml.

Post-mortem findings have found his death to be consistent with a case of death by drowning.

The coroner also found no evidence to suggest that Garg's death was caused by an allergic reaction to medication, substances, food, or drinks.

Following the conclusion of their investigations, the police extended their "deepest condolences" to the family and loved ones of Garg.

They also urged the public to refrain from comments that may impugn the integrity of the court's judgement or judicial process.

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