Overview

• The Assamese singer was pulled from the water near St John’s Island, given CPR by lifeguards and police, and declared dead at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 pm IST.
• Accounts of the incident differ, with festival organisers citing breathing difficulties during scuba diving and Assam officials relaying that he entered the water without a life jacket despite warnings.
• Singapore authorities report no suspicion of foul play and are recording statements from those who accompanied him.
• The post-mortem has been completed and Singapore is handing his remains to an Indian delegation for repatriation.
• Events at the North East India Festival in Singapore have been cancelled, tributes have been issued by leaders and artists including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Papon, and Assam plans a public homage at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati.