A 54-year-old Manipuri guitarist and music teacher, Vikram Singh Chongtham, died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people outside his rented home in southeast Delhi’s Kilokari village.
The incident took place late Sunday night after Chongtham reportedly objected to a group of workers from nearby eateries creating a commotion near his residence. Police said seven men have been arrested and a 15-year-old boy apprehended in connection with the case.
Chongtham had been living in Delhi for around 17 years and worked as a private music teacher. He lived with his wife Joshna Chongtham, 50, and their 20-year-old son Yaiphaba Chongtham.
What happened to Vikram Singh Chongtham?
According to Manipuri social activist B Ruchida Sharma, Chongtham went downstairs around 11.30pm on Sunday to dispose of garbage when he noticed a group of workers from two nearby dhabas allegedly shouting and creating a disturbance.
An altercation reportedly followed after Chongtham objected to their behaviour. Sharma said Chongtham ran towards his home but was chased by the group.
He was allegedly overpowered in the corridor on the third floor of his building and assaulted before the attackers fled.
The Delhi Police received information about the assault at around 1.38am on Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Vineet Kumar said.
Chongtham’s family rushed him to a private hospital in Okhla, where he died during treatment at around 7am, according to Sharma.
Seven men arrested, minor apprehended
Police registered a case under Sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigators used CCTV footage, technical surveillance and local intelligence to identify the suspects, police said. Seven adults were subsequently arrested while a 15-year-old boy was apprehended.
The arrested men were identified as Bharat Kumar, 19, Pramod, 26, Ramzan Khan, 22, Vijay, 36, Deepanshu, 21, Mohan Vishwakarma, 32, and Mannu, 26.
Police said four of the accused worked as delivery workers and two as packaging workers at nearby dhabas, while Mannu worked at a pizza kiosk.
Candlelight march held in Delhi
The death triggered concern among members of the Northeast community in Delhi.
Nearly 100 people gathered in Kilokari village on Monday evening for a candlelight march, demanding swift action and justice in the case.
Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also urged the Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of renowned Manipuri guitarist and Western music pioneer, Shri Chongtham Vikram Singh,” Singh wrote on X, while expressing concern over the alleged assault.
He urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest.
Investigation underway
The police investigation is continuing, with authorities examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the sequence of events and the roles of those arrested.
The case has also drawn attention to concerns raised by members of Delhi’s Northeast community following the death of the Manipuri musician.
The arrests and apprehension of the minor are part of the ongoing investigation; the allegations against the accused have not been established in court.
