NEW DELHI: Zubeen Garg was “severely intoxicated” and drowned off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket, a Singapore court was told on Wednesday. The Singapore police reiterated that it does not suspect any foul play in the death.”At the time, he was also severely intoxicated and several witnesses saw him trying to swim back to the yacht when he went limp and began floating with his face in the water,” Channel News Asia reported citing the investigating officer.The court was further told that Garg had a history of hypertension and epilepsy, with his most recent recorded epileptic episode occurring in 2024. However, it remained uncertain whether he had taken his prescribed epilepsy medication on the day of the incident, as eyewitness accounts are insufficient to confirm that he had done so.What Singapore cops uncoveredPolice told the court that their investigation revealed Garg and around 20 others on board the yacht, including friends and colleagues, had consumed snacks, drinks and alcohol during the outing. Multiple witnesses stated that Garg was seen drinking alcohol, with one account claiming he consumed several cups of liquor, including gin and whisky. According to the chief investigating officer’s reconstruction of events, Garg later went for a swim during which he removed his life jacket. He subsequently returned to the yacht and was heard telling others that he was feeling tired, the officer informed the court.“When he decided to resume swimming, Garg was offered a second, smaller life jacket, but he declined to wear it. He entered the water without a life jacket and started swimming in the direction of Lazarus Island alone,” the Channel cited chief investigating officer saying.“The evidence of several witnesses, provided via their statements to the court, stated that Mr Garg had no suicidal tendencies and that he was not pushed into the water but had jumped in himself for a swim,” the news website report said, quoting the court hearing.However, as per the probe conducted by the SIT and the Assam Police’s CID, those named as accused include the principal event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg, and two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.The CJI court in Guwahati remanded five accused — Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandipan Garg, Nandeswar Bora, and Paresh Baishya — to judicial custody in connection with the Garg death case.Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma assured justice saying: “Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October. Our collective resolve remains, Justice for Zubeen will prevail.”Garg died in Singapore on September 19, reportedly after an incident while swimming, just a day before he was slated to perform at the Northeast India Festival.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy India Is Doubling Down On Rafale Jets With ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Deal Despite US And Russian OffersWhy China Building Roads In Shaksgam Valley Is A Direct Strategic Challenge For India In Kashmir’Leave By Any Means’: India Issues Fresh Advisory As Iran Protests Intensify Across Cities’Failed For 40 Years’: Indian High Commissioner Slams Canada Over Terrorism InactionPact To Power Bloc: How Turkish Arms, Saudi Money And Pakistan Nukes May Align In Islamic NATO’Great Powers Lost Moral Compass, China Threat Real For India Despite BRICS’: Shashi Tharoor Warns15 Satellites Lost, But Spanish ‘KID’ Defies Odds In ISRO PSLV C62 SetbackPM Modi Says Tamil Culture Is India’s Shared Heritage, Pongal Strengthens Ek Bharat SpiritOperation Sindoor Showed Power Of Indian Youth, Says Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi In Defining MomentMultiple Pak Drones Sighted In J&K, Second Time In 48 Hours; Locals Recall Horror123PhotostoriesRani Mukerji, Tabu, and Deepika Padukone: Actresses who stole the show as fearless cops in gripping thriller dramas9 simple and nutritious ways of enjoying French beans at homeAll the countries with 4-letter names, including one of the world’s smallest nationsFrom ‘Veer Zaara’ to ‘Raees’: 5 films that beautifully reflect the spirit of Makar SankrantiPongal 2026: Gorgeous Pongal-worthy sarees of Bollywood divasBengaluru’s longest double-decker flyover takes shape: A mega corridor set to redraw city travelTop trending baby names parents love right now10 Japanese etiquettes that quietly define classAs Kriti Sanon’s sister Nupur Sanon begins a new chapter, a look at their heartwarming bondCanada bans travel to several countries, issues advisories for others: What does it say about India?123Hot PicksIran protestBudget 2026Gold rate todayUS Economy10-minute deliveryPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingKendrick PerkinsConnor Mcdavid WifeWayne Gretzky Net WorthDenver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans Injury ReportJustin Rose and Kate Phillips Net WorthConor McGregorAaron RodgersJerry JonesTravis KelceIsrael Adesanya
NEW DELHI: Zubeen Garg was “severely intoxicated” and drowned off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket, a Singapore court was told on Wednesday. The Singapore police reiterated that it does not suspect any foul play in the death.“At the time, he was also severely intoxicated and several witnesses saw him trying to swim back to the yacht when he went limp and began floating with his face in the water,” Channel News Asia reported citing the investigating officer.The court was further told that Garg had a history of hypertension and epilepsy, with his most recent recorded epileptic episode occurring in 2024. However, it remained uncertain whether he had taken his prescribed epilepsy medication on the day of the incident, as eyewitness accounts are insufficient to confirm that he had done so.
What Singapore cops uncovered
Police told the court that their investigation revealed Garg and around 20 others on board the yacht, including friends and colleagues, had consumed snacks, drinks and alcohol during the outing. Multiple witnesses stated that Garg was seen drinking alcohol, with one account claiming he consumed several cups of liquor, including gin and whisky. According to the chief investigating officer’s reconstruction of events, Garg later went for a swim during which he removed his life jacket. He subsequently returned to the yacht and was heard telling others that he was feeling tired, the officer informed the court.“When he decided to resume swimming, Garg was offered a second, smaller life jacket, but he declined to wear it. He entered the water without a life jacket and started swimming in the direction of Lazarus Island alone,” the Channel cited chief investigating officer saying.“The evidence of several witnesses, provided via their statements to the court, stated that Mr Garg had no suicidal tendencies and that he was not pushed into the water but had jumped in himself for a swim,” the news website report said, quoting the court hearing.However, as per the probe conducted by the SIT and the Assam Police’s CID, those named as accused include the principal event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg, and two personal security officers, Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.The CJI court in Guwahati remanded five accused — Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandipan Garg, Nandeswar Bora, and Paresh Baishya — to judicial custody in connection with the Garg death case.Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma assured justice saying: “Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October. Our collective resolve remains, Justice for Zubeen will prevail.”Garg died in Singapore on September 19, reportedly after an incident while swimming, just a day before he was slated to perform at the Northeast India Festival.
![Zoji La [Ladakh] SRINAGAR: Zoji La tunnel, an upcoming strategic corridor that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is nearing a defining moment, with engineers inching towards a “breakthrough” final blast expected around May 30.Work is progressing at about four meters per day from both ends — Sonamarg (Baltal) in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh — using controlled drilling and blasting. Only 300 meters of the 13.155km tunnel is left to excavate, Harpal Singh, chief operating officer (COO) of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), told TOI. The Hyderabad-based company is executing the project.“The final blast will bring the excavation phase to a close, completing the tunnel’s core structure,” Singh said, adding the blast will signal the physical connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.According to Singh, this historic milestone will be achieved by reducing tunnel excavation to zero within 30 to 35 days. “Breakthrough will ensure speedy construction of the remaining works, including concrete lining, permanent tunnel drainage, installation of surveillance equipment, control buildings, underground transformers and (traffic) smoke control systems,” Singh explained.The tunnel is still another two-and-a-half years from completion. Before it is opened to the public, the breakthrough will allow construction teams and machines to move seamlessly between two ends, streamlining work. “The teams and equipment can move through the tunnel without any hassle,” Singh said, adding this will help sustain construction through winters when heavy snowfall in Sonamarg halts surface movement.The tunnel will reduce distance between the two ends (Sonamarg and Minamarg) from 49km to 43km and increase vehicle speeds from 30kmph to 70kmph, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demandArgue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against Israel123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1776198165_photo.jpg "Zoji La [Ladakh] SRINAGAR: Zoji La tunnel, an upcoming strategic corridor that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is nearing a defining moment, with engineers inching towards a “breakthrough” final blast expected around May 30.Work is progressing at about four meters per day from both ends — Sonamarg (Baltal) in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh — using controlled drilling and blasting. Only 300 meters of the 13.155km tunnel is left to excavate, Harpal Singh, chief operating officer (COO) of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), told TOI. The Hyderabad-based company is executing the project.“The final blast will bring the excavation phase to a close, completing the tunnel’s core structure,” Singh said, adding the blast will signal the physical connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.According to Singh, this historic milestone will be achieved by reducing tunnel excavation to zero within 30 to 35 days. “Breakthrough will ensure speedy construction of the remaining works, including concrete lining, permanent tunnel drainage, installation of surveillance equipment, control buildings, underground transformers and (traffic) smoke control systems,” Singh explained.The tunnel is still another two-and-a-half years from completion. Before it is opened to the public, the breakthrough will allow construction teams and machines to move seamlessly between two ends, streamlining work. “The teams and equipment can move through the tunnel without any hassle,” Singh said, adding this will help sustain construction through winters when heavy snowfall in Sonamarg halts surface movement.The tunnel will reduce distance between the two ends (Sonamarg and Minamarg) from 49km to 43km and increase vehicle speeds from 30kmph to 70kmph, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demandArgue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against Israel123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup")
