New Delhi, Sep8 : A shocking incident in the national capital has sparked outrage after renowned Manipuri musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh (55) was allegedly beaten to death by a group of men following a dispute over late-night noise outside his residence in South Delhi.
For nearly two decades, Chongtham Vikram Singh built his life in Delhi around the one thing he had known and loved since his youth – music.
A gifted guitarist from Manipur, Singh was part of the state’s early Western and rock music movement and later devoted himself to teaching and mentoring young musicians in the national capital. His journey, however, came to a tragic end after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of men outside his home in southeast Delhi.
Singh’s death has sparked grief and anger among the Manipuri community, musicians and people from the Northeast, while raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the fatal assault.
For many years, however, Singh’s work remained largely away from the mainstream spotlight. After moving to Delhi, he continued to make music an important part of his life, eventually spending around 17 years in the capital as a private music teacher and mentor.
Reports say he also taught and encouraged young musicians, passing on the experience he had gained during his years as a performer.
The incident that led to Singh’s death occurred late on September 6 in Kilokari village in southeast Delhi.
According to police and reports, Singh came downstairs from his third-floor residence at around 11.30 pm to dispose of garbage. He reportedly encountered a group of men associated with nearby dhabas and food outlets who were allegedly creating noise and a disturbance outside his home.
Singh is said to have objected to the commotion, following which an argument broke out.
The confrontation allegedly escalated into a physical assault. According to accounts cited in media reports, Singh attempted to return to his home but was chased into the building and allegedly attacked in the corridor on the third floor.
CCTV footage reportedly captured a group of men leaving the building after the alleged assault.
Singh’s son, Yaiphaba, took him to Holy Family Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Delhi Police have arrested seven adults and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the case.
The adults have been identified as Bharat Kumar, Pramod, Ramzan Khan, Vijay, Deepanshu, Mohan Vishwakarma and Mannu. Police said those arrested worked at nearby dhabas, food outlets or delivery and packaging operations.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 103(2) and 3(5). Investigators are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the circumstances of the assault and the role of each accused.
Police have also said that the investigation is examining the motive. While members of the Northeast community have raised concerns about a possible racial angle, police have stated that no racial motive has been established so far.
The emergence of CCTV footage showing the alleged attackers leaving the building has intensified demands for swift action.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh shared footage related to the incident and urged Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice.
Congress leaders have also expressed concern over the incident. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi questioned the safety of people from the Northeast living in Delhi and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Members of the Northeast community and civil society groups have also demanded a fair and speedy investigation.
A candlelight gathering was held in Kilokari, with participants remembering Singh and calling for action against those responsible for his death.
For those who knew Chongtham Vikram Singh, his story cannot be reduced to the circumstances of his final night.
He was a guitarist who belonged to an important generation in Manipur’s Western music movement. He was a teacher who spent years helping others learn music. And he was a member of a family whose contribution to Manipur’s cultural landscape spans music and cinema.
He spent much of his adult life doing what he loved – playing, teaching and sharing music.
His death has now brought renewed attention to both his contribution to Manipur’s music scene and the concerns of the Northeast community in Delhi.
As the investigation continues, Singh’s family, friends and fellow musicians are seeking justice. But beyond the headlines surrounding his death, his legacy remains rooted in the music he played, the students he taught and the musical community he helped build.
Chongtham Vikram Singh will be remembered not only for how his life ended, but also for the music that defined it.
