New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night confrontation over alleged noise and public nuisance in Delhi’s Kilokari village has ended in the death of a 54-year-old Manipuri musician and private music teacher, with police arresting seven adults and apprehending a 15-year-old in connection with the case.
Chongtham Vikram Singh, who had been teaching music privately in Delhi for around 17 years, was allegedly attacked after objecting to disturbances outside his residence on Sunday night. He was taken to a private hospital in Okhla but died from his injuries early Monday morning.
Police received information about the assault at around 1:38 am, according to officials familiar with the case. Singh was taken to hospital by his son, Yaiphaba Chongtham, but could not be saved.
Dispute reportedly began outside Singh’s home
According to the police account, Singh came down from his third-floor apartment at approximately 11:30 pm to throw out garbage. He allegedly objected to loud behaviour and what he considered nuisance involving delivery workers and employees of nearby eateries.
What began as a disagreement reportedly escalated into a confrontation.
B Ruchida Sharma, a Manipuri social activist working with people from the Northeast in Delhi, said Singh was followed back towards his apartment and attacked in the corridor after being overpowered.
Singh lived with his wife, Joshna Chongtham, 50, and their 20-year-old son.
CCTV footage becomes key evidence
Investigators have been examining CCTV recordings from the area as part of the probe. The footage reportedly captures several men moving down the staircase after the assault.
Police said CCTV analysis, technical surveillance and information gathered locally helped them trace those allegedly involved.
Seven adults have been arrested, while a 15-year-old boy has also been apprehended. Police identified the arrested men as Bharat Kumar, Pramod, Ramzan Khan, Vijay, Deepanshu, Mohan Vishwakarma and Mannu.
Officials said four of the accused were employed as delivery workers, while two worked in packaging at nearby dhabas. Mannu reportedly worked at a pizza outlet.
A case has been registered under Sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Former Manipur CM shares CCTV footage
The incident has attracted considerable attention in Manipur and among the wider Northeast Indian community.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh shared CCTV footage of the incident on social media and called on Delhi Police to investigate the circumstances thoroughly and ensure that those responsible face appropriate action.
The killing has also prompted questions about public safety, law enforcement and the treatment of people from the Northeast living in Delhi.
Political leaders demand action
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera condemned the killing and argued that the incident should not simply be treated as an isolated case involving drunken violence.
Khera linked the episode to what he described as years of inadequate enforcement against public nuisance, loud music and violations of rules. He said authorities needed to examine the wider circumstances that allowed such behaviour to continue.
Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam also called for strict punishment for those found responsible. He stressed that people from the Northeast, like every other citizen, should be able to live with dignity and security.
Akoijam said he had been in contact with Singh’s family and coordinating with police, medical authorities and volunteers following the incident.
Manipur CM mourns musician’s death
Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam expressed condolences to Singh’s family and highlighted his contribution to music.
The Chief Minister described Singh as a renowned guitarist whose work had contributed to the cultural life of Manipur.
Manipuri activist and scholar Binalaxmi Nepram also expressed grief over the death. She said members of the Manipuri community had stood with Singh’s family during the post-mortem process.
Investigation continues
The Delhi Police are continuing to reconstruct the events leading up to the assault and determine the exact role played by each accused.
The CCTV footage, witness accounts and other evidence are expected to form an important part of the investigation as authorities proceed with the case.
For Singh’s family and members of Delhi’s Manipuri community, however, the investigation follows the loss of a man who had spent nearly two decades teaching music in the national capital.
