Popular Indian singer is cremated

Critics say the singer died in suspicious circumstances

Thousands of people have braved heavy rain to attend the funeral of an Indian singer who drowned while swimming in a pool at a resort in the Maldives.

The funeral of Ishmeet Singh, 20, was held near his home in the city of Ludhiana in the Indian state of Punjab.

His family meanwhile have been quoted by newspapers as questioning the circumstances of his death.

Mr Singh topped a nationwide singing contest on a leading Indian television channel last November.

He was in the Maldives to perform at a concert on Friday.

Staff say Mr Singh dived into the deep end of the swimming pool and got into difficulties.

Shortly before the funeral, the singer's uncle Charan Kamal Singh told the Hindustan Times paper that injury marks on his nephew's forehead and chest - as well as his swollen face - had aroused suspicions that Ishmeet Singh may have been murdered.

"His death is not an accident alone. It could be part of a conspiracy. We want the matter investigated thoroughly. We want a case registered," Mr Singh said.

The Punjab state government meanwhile has announced it will set up an Institute of Excellence for Performing Arts named after Ishmeet Singh.

It also says that it will order an inquiry into the causes leading up to his death.

His father, Gurprinder Singh Sodhi, lit the pyre of his only son as wreaths were laid on behalf of the Punjab chief minister and other dignitaries.

Ishmeet's mother, relatives and family members all attended the ceremony.