Manipur music teacher beaten to death for objecting to shouting outside Delhi home

A 54-year-old music teacher, Chongtham Vikram Singh, died after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men in southeast Delhi following a dispute over noise outside his home. Some suspects, including a minor, were detained. Northeast community groups demanded action, while police said no racial motive had been established.

In Short

• Singh had objected to shouting by delivery workers and dhaba staff outside
• Police said a group attacked him when he came downstairs
• His son Yaiphaba took him to Holy Family Hospital for treatment

A 54-year-old well-known Manipuri music teacher died after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men in Kilokari village near Ashram in southeast Delhi following a dispute over alleged noise and nuisance caused by delivery boys and dhaba staff outside his residence, police said on Monday.

The victim, Chongtham Vikram Singh, had objected to alleged shouting and nuisance by delivery workers and dhaba staff operating opposite his house, according to police.

Singh came downstairs to raise the issue when he was allegedly confronted and assaulted by a group of men, who punched and kicked him, police added. Chongtham then fled towards his home, but the group chased him to the building.

He was taken to Holy Family Hospital by his son, Yaiphaba, for treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries, police said.

A CCTV footage from the incident showed a group of eight men leaving the apartment building after the assault.

Police arrested the accused Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36), Mannu (26), and one juvenile. Officials said all the accused are workers at different dhabas and food stalls.

The police are currently ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the assault and Singh's death. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Vikram was a well-known name in Manipur’s Western music scene. He had played guitar with bands such as Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark, and was the eldest son of renowned Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala.

Condoling his death, former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said he was deeply concerned over the incident and urged the Delhi Police to take swift action. He also shared CCTV footage purportedly showing the assailants.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of renowned Manipuri guitarist and Western music pioneer, Shri Chongtham Vikram Singh, and deeply concerned by the incident in which he was allegedly assaulted near his residence in southeast Delhi. Shri Vikram Singh’s invaluable contribution to music will always be remembered. His untimely passing is a great loss to his family, the music fraternity, and the people of Manipur," Singh wrote on X.

He added, "With evidence now emerging in connection with the incident, I urge the Delhi Police to take swift and appropriate action, thoroughly investigate the matter, and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest."

Following the incident, members of the Northeast community and civil society organisations gathered at Sunlight Colony Police Station, demanding that all those involved be identified and legal action be taken against them. The North East Students’ Society, Delhi University, also condemned the alleged assault and sought a swift and unbiased inquiry.

Some community members alleged that the assault may have been racially motivated. However, police said no such motive had been established so far and that both the motive and circumstances surrounding the assault were still being examined.

Delhi Police said necessary legal action is being taken as per law and further facts will be established during the investigation.

- Ends