Singapore police close Zubeen Garg's death case: No foul play
What's the story
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has concluded its investigation into the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. The police have reiterated that their probe found no evidence of foul play in the case. Garg died while swimming during a private yacht trip off Singapore's Lazarus Island on September 19 last year.
Investigation details
'While attempting to swim back toward the yacht...'
The SPF said in a statement, "He [Garg] had initially entered the water wearing a life jacket but later removed it and returned to the yacht without it." "He subsequently went into the water a second time, swimming alone and away from the vessel without a life jacket, despite being offered one." "While attempting to swim back toward the yacht, he was seen becoming unresponsive," the statement said.
Cause of death
Toxicology report showed high ethanol concentration in blood
The SPF said the yacht's captain and others on board rescued Garg and performed CPR. He was later rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he died. "Post-mortem findings, including toxicology analysis, were consistent with drowning," the SPF said. The toxicology report showed a high ethanol concentration in Garg's blood, which would have severely impaired his coordination and reflexes.
Ongoing probe
Meanwhile, probe in India continues
While the Singapore police have closed their case, the Assam police are still investigating an alleged murder angle in Garg's death. Seven arrests have been made so far, and a fast-track court is now handling the case. The Gauhati High Court last month appointed district and sessions judge Sharmila Bhuyan as the presiding officer of a fast-track sessions court for day-to-day trial proceedings of the case from March 30.