New Delhi, September 8: The death of 54-year-old Manipuri musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh following an alleged assault at his residence in south Delhi has triggered widespread concern and a political exchange over the safety of people from the Northeast in the national capital.
According to the police, seven people have been arrested and a minor detained in connection with the incident in Kilokri. The accused allegedly attacked Singh after he objected to loud noise being made by a group of people who were drinking at a nearby eatery.CCTV footage reportedly captured several men moving towards Singh’s residence before the assault.
His son was later seen carrying the injured musician down the staircase as the family attempted to take him to hospital. Singh subsequently died from his injuries.Singh had reportedly lived in Delhi for nearly a decade and was known within the city’s music community as a guitarist, teacher and performer.
He had been associated with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix, Eastern Dark and Fubar Ghetto and had also taught and mentored young musicians.The incident has drawn attention from political leaders, with Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioning the Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police over measures to prevent such incidents.
Gandhi said the incident had raised concerns among families from the Northeast living in Delhi about their safety and questioned what was being done to address what he described as growing lawlessness.Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, criticised the political framing of the incident and said the focus should remain on police action and ensuring justice.
Rijiju said the suspects had fled after the incident but were arrested by the Delhi Police within a short period. He also referred to the Delhi Police’s Northeast Cell and said authorities had mechanisms in place to respond quickly to incidents involving people from the region.
The minister said police had indicated that a chargesheet could be filed within eight to nine days and stressed the need for stringent punishment if the accused are found guilty.
Rijiju, who represents Arunachal Pradesh, expressed condolences to Singh’s family and said the case should be pursued swiftly, with strict action taken in accordance with law.Singh’s death has also caused distress among members of Delhi’s Manipuri community and the wider music fraternity.
Friends described him as a soft-spoken and dedicated musician who had contributed to the city’s cultural life through performances and teaching.Singh’s wife, Joshna Chongtham, appealed for privacy as the family copes with the loss.
She thanked those who had supported the family and called on authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.
She said the family was seeking justice rather than revenge and urged that those found responsible be held accountable under the law.
The case has brought renewed focus on public safety, violence arising from local disputes and concerns expressed by Northeast communities living in Delhi.
The police investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault and determine individual responsibility.
