Zubeen Garg: Why a 2nd autopsy was completed in Guwahati ahead of final rites

Popular singer Zubeen Garg’s final journey to the cremation ground has begun from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati on Tuesday, where his body was brought after the second postmortem at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital.

A second post-mortem was conducted today morning following public demand for a local autopsy, despite an earlier having been performed in Singapore. The move was confirmed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Divya Pate and supported by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita after discussions with Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg.

Also read: Zubeen Garg’s final journey to cremation ground begins

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai early in the morning and paid his tributes to the singer before the body was taken to the hospital for the post-mortem examination.

“A few hours left before #BelovedZubeen begins his final journey. A short while ago, I joined his well-wishers at Sarusajai Stadium to pay my tributes,” Sarma posted on X.

According to the death certificate issued by the Singapore High Commission, the cause of death was listed as drowning. However, CM Sarma clarified that this document is separate from the official post-mortem report, which the Assam Government is in the process of obtaining from authorities in Singapore.

“We have sent all documents to the CID, and the Chief Secretary is in touch with the Singapore Ambassador to secure the report as soon as possible,” the CM said.

Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to participate in the Northeast India Festival, where the tragic accident occurred. After initial formalities, his body was flown to Delhi, and then to Assam.

On Monday, thousands of fans gathered at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, singing his songs, lighting candles, and offering floral tributes. Many called it a “personal loss,” saying the singer was more than just an artist — he was a “voice of the people.”

The 52-year old singer, music composer, film director and actor was named Jibon Borthakur by his family in his childhood. He went on to become Zubeen Garg when his mother, inspired by the famed Zubin Mehta's music, called him so but the Brahmin surname was discarded by the singer who claimed he was an atheist and believed in the "religion of humanity".

Garg's last rites will be held with full state honours. Police personnel will be the pallbearers of the coffin after it is brought out of the vehicle at the cremation site in Kamarkuchi.

The state has declared a dry day, while the Meghalaya government has also said that all wine shops will remain closed on its side of the route through which Zubeen's cortege will pass.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will represent the Centre at the last rites.