Seven witnesses who testified during the second hearing of the Singapore Coroner’s Court inquiry into the death of noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg said he did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol when he arrived at Capo Bay Marina on the day of the incident.
According to a report by Singapore-based broadcaster Channel News Asia, six of the seven witnesses who gave in-person statements on Tuesday were aboard the yacht with Garg on September 19, 2025, the day he drowned.
While their accounts largely aligned on the sequence of events before Garg entered the water, there were differing views on whether he had consumed alcohol prior to boarding. One witness told the court that Garg “did not appear intoxicated” and was only taking small sips of a drink. Another said a whisky order had been placed at a bar before boarding, but could not confirm if Garg consumed any. Only one witness claimed the singer appeared tipsy.
Video footage presented in court reportedly showed Garg entering the sea for the first time wearing a life jacket. Some witnesses said the jacket appeared too large and that he later removed it while in the water. After swimming, Garg returned to a kayak near the yacht and was described by several witnesses as looking tired.
A witness who had organised the outing testified that he tried to get Garg to wear a life jacket before a second swim, but Garg declined, allegedly saying, “I have never worn it before. I don’t like it.”
Witnesses said Garg then swam quickly towards the shore, prompting others to follow. He was also said to have mentioned that he had taught two members of the group how to swim.
The inquiry is ongoing, with additional evidence expected. Garg’s uncle Manoj Borthakur and nephew Rahul Gautam Sharma attended the February 3 hearing.
The testimonies presented during the second hearing differ from earlier evidence provided by investigators. Singapore Police previously told the court that toxicology analysis indicated Garg’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit at the time he entered the water.
During the first hearing on January 14, police testimony suggested the 53-year-old singer was heavily intoxicated and not wearing a life jacket when he drowned. Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim of the Police Coast Guard had told the court that Garg had consumed alcohol and had refused to wear a life vest.
Meanwhile, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, visited Peerless Hospital on Wednesday, which coincided with their wedding anniversary. Doctors said she was not ill but had come for a routine check-up after feeling slightly weak. Hospital officials added that she has been under emotional strain following her personal loss.
The Coroner’s Court is expected to deliver its findings on February 13.
