Wanted to teach him a lesson: Manipuri musician murder accused tell police

The 54-year-old musician was allegedly attacked by a group of men outside his residence in Kilokari near Ashram around 11.30 pm on Sunday after he objected to a commotion outside.

In Short

• Seven men arrested, while police also apprehended a juvenile suspect
• Investigators are probing possible racial angle behind musician’s killing.
• CCTV footage, witnesses and post-mortem findings will guide further action

The accused in the killing of Manipuri musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh in southeast Delhi wanted to "teach him a lesson" for objecting to noise outside his home by thrashing him, police said on Wednesday. During questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that they did not expect the assault to turn fatal.

The 54-year-old musician was allegedly attacked by a group of men outside his residence in Kilokari near Ashram around 11.30 pm on Sunday after he objected to a commotion outside.

Police said Singh had on several occasions raised concerns with the owner of a nearby dhaba over noise caused by people gathering there, though no formal complaint had been lodged by him.

According to the police, the dhaba operated until around midnight and drew customers from nearby areas, including students living in the locality.

On the night of the incident, Singh went downstairs after hearing a commotion.

An argument followed after he objected to the noise. He later returned home, but the group allegedly followed him and assaulted him with punches and kicks.

Singh’s son Yaiphaba, 20, heard his father shouting and came out to find a group of men attacking him.

The assailants fled after he intervened. Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he complained of breathlessness and later died around 6 am on Monday.

Police have arrested seven men — Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36), and Mannu (26) — and detained a juvenile.

The accused are reportedly workers at different dhabas and food stalls. The FIR, registered at Sunlight Colony police station on a complaint by Singh’s son, invokes Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, concerning murder by a group in circumstances covered by the provision.

Investigators are awaiting the post-mortem report to establish the precise injuries.

Police said Singh appeared to have suffered internal injuries. CCTV footage and witness accounts are being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events. The role and operations of the nearby dhaba are also under scrutiny, though no irregularity has so far been found.

Police are examining whether the incident had a racial dimension. However, investigators said they had not found any evidence so far of racial slurs being used during the altercation.

Singh’s family has alleged that he had previously faced threats over his objections to the noise.

His wife, Joshna Chongtham, appealed for accountability, saying, “We ask the authority to ensure our fair and impartial investigation and to hold everyone responsible and accountable under the law. We are not seeking revenge. We are seeking justice. He had a name, a family and a life that mattered. We ask only that his memory be respected. Our grief be given dignity and justice be done”.

The killing has triggered concern among Northeast communities in Delhi, with civil society groups demanding a swift and impartial probe.

Singh, who had lived in Kilokari for more than two decades, was a prominent guitarist who had performed with bands including Phoenix and later worked as a music teacher and performer.

Police said the investigation remains underway, with CCTV footage, witness statements, the post-mortem findings and the alleged motive being examined before further action is taken.

- Ends
With PTI inputs