NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that Singapore authorities are questioning those who were accompanying singer Zubeen Garg before his death. An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Saturday.The 52-year-old singer, best known for his hit song Ya Ali, died while scuba diving in Singapore on Friday. “If an autopsy needs to be done, it is likely that Zubeen’s mortal remains will reach Assam on Saturday evening,” Sarma told reporters.
The chief minister said he has spoken to Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule to expedite arrangements for bringing Garg’s body back to the state. “We are coordinating to ensure the return of Zubeen’s mortal remains to Assam at the earliest. As soon as the process is firmed up, I will share an update,” Sarma also posted on X.Meanwhile, Sarma along with his wife visited Garg’s home and met his family members. In a post on X he said, “”Riniki and I, visited the residence of our beloved Zubeen in Guwahati to stand in solidarity with his family in this hour of grief. Thousands of his admirers are waiting on the streets to have his last glimpse – we are constantly in touch to bring him back to Assam soon.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, writing on X: “Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”Rahul Gandhi called the death “a terrible tragedy,” adding, “His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever.”Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Garg as the “Voice of Assam,” saying he “enchanted people with his voice in numerous Indian languages and attained the status of a cultural icon.”Union minister Kiren Rijiju mourned the singer as “a magical voice and a versatile personality,” while actor Adil Hussain said he was “devastated and shocked,” calling Garg’s contribution to Assamese culture “extraordinary.”Garg’s team issued a statement saying he had arrived in Singapore two days earlier to attend the North East Festival scheduled for September 20. “With profound grief, we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved icon, Zubeen Garg, passed away today at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 PM,” the statement read. The team added that he was taken on a yacht visit by members of the local Assamese community, an arrangement they were unaware of, when the accident occurred.The singer was rescued by Singapore police and rushed to hospital, but doctors could not save him. Garg, who sang in Assamese, Hindi and Bengali, was remembered by leaders and fans as a cultural icon whose sudden passing has left a void in Indian music.(With inputs from agency)
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