Manipur Guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh Beaten To Death In Delhi’s Kilokari Over Noise Dispute

The 54-year-old, son of renowned Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala, had objected to shouting by dhaba workers outside his Ashram home; police say no racial motive established yet.

New Delhi: A 54-year-old well-known music teacher from Manipur, Chongtham Vikram Singh, died after being allegedly assaulted by a group of men outside his residence in southeast Delhi’s Kilokari village near Ashram.

According to police, the incident took place around 11:30 PM on Sunday. Singh, who lived on the third floor, had come downstairs to dispose of garbage and objected to loud shouting and nuisance created by delivery boys and staff of dhabas operating opposite his house.

An argument broke out, which escalated quickly. Police said Singh returned to his house, but the group followed him inside the building and allegedly punched and kicked him.

Hearing the commotion, his son Yaiphaba rushed out, after which the assailants fled. Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

CCTV footage shows eight men leaving the apartment building after the assault.

Police have arrested seven accused — Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36), Mannu (26) — and detained one juvenile. All are workers at different dhabas and food stalls in the area, officials said.

The victim, Vikram Singh, was a prominent figure in Manipur’s Western music scene and had played guitar for bands like Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He was the eldest son of renowned Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condoled his death and urged Delhi Police to ensure swift justice. “Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of renowned Manipuri guitarist and Western music pioneer… I urge the Delhi Police to take swift and appropriate action,” he wrote on X.

Following the incident, members of the Northeast community and organisations like the North East Students’ Society, Delhi University gathered at Sunlight Colony Police Station demanding strict action. While some alleged a racial motive, police said no such angle has been established so far and the motive is still being investigated.

A case has been registered at Sunlight Colony police station and further investigation is underway.