SINGAPORE: In a heart-wrenching revelation at the coroner's court, the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg has come under scrutiny as authorities disclosed he was "severely intoxicated" and had refused to wear a life jacket prior to his drowning next to Lazarus Island last September.

Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim provided key testimony during the proceedings, stating that the 53-year-old artist had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration reported at 333 mg per 100 ml. This level is notably above Singapore’s drink-driving limit of 80 mg per 100 ml, significantly impairing his coordination and reflexes. Witness accounts confirmed that Garg, set to perform at the North East India Festival the following day, ignored multiple reminders from the yacht captain to don safety gear. He boldly disregarded these cautions, opting instead to swim unprotected despite being offered smaller life jackets.

Tragically, during his swim towards Lazarus Island, Garg began to experience difficulty and eventually became motionless, floating face down in the water. Distressed friends on the yacht quickly attempted resuscitation and called for emergency help, but he was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival at Singapore General Hospital. Authorities verified that there was no indication of foul play, with the official cause of death noted as drowning.

As the inquiry progresses, more witnesses including members of the yacht party are anticipated to testify, with details about Garg’s last moments capturing the attention of both fans and the media alike. The sudden passing of Zubeen Garg, a cherished figure from Assam, sent shockwaves through communities in both India and Singapore, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.