Protests erupted in southeast Delhi after Chongtham Vikram Singh, a 55-year-old Manipuri musician and music teacher, allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of men outside his home in Kilokari village, near Ashram, late on Sunday, September 6. Police registered an FIR under Sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), arrested seven men and apprehended a 15-year-old boy.
Police said the accused were workers at different dhabas and food stalls, with several reported to be delivery workers. Singh’s son, Yaiphaba, told police that his father had said people from a nearby dhaba attacked him after he complained about excessive noise. Singh was taken to a private hospital and later died from his injuries on Monday morning.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said all eight accused had been arrested and that a strong chargesheet would be filed within two weeks. Northeast community members and civil society groups have demanded justice and an impartial probe, while concerns about a possible racial motive have also been raised. Delhi Police said no such motive had been established so far and that the circumstances remained under investigation.
I am deeply distressed by the tragic demise of Chongtham Vikram Singh ji from Manipur. The safety & dignity of every person from North-East & every Indian is non negotiable.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 8, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to Vikram ji’s family & loved ones. May they find strength in this tragic loss. pic.twitter.com/8cPTaNiuDd
Fatal Confrontation
According to police and Singh‘s son Yaiphaba, the incident took place around 11.30 p.m. on Sunday after Singh went downstairs following loud noises and commotion outside his residence. Yaiphaba said he heard his father screaming and found four to five people allegedly assaulting him. He said the attackers fled after he raised an alarm and tried to intervene.
Singh was taken to a private hospital by his family and died during treatment on Monday morning. CCTV footage reportedly showed the alleged attackers leaving the building after the assault, followed later by Singh’s family taking him to hospital.
🚨 Manipuri musician beaten to death in Delhi after objecting to late-night noise
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) September 8, 2026
55 yr old pioneering guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh was attacked by a group outside his Kilokari home after asking them to stop making noise
Chongtham Vikram Singh played with Manipur bands… pic.twitter.com/eL3XEl45Z2
Investigation And Protests
Police have identified the arrested men as Bharat Kumar, Pramod, Ramzan Khan, Deepanshu, Mohan Vishwakarma, Vijay and Mannu, along with the apprehended juvenile. Police said the circumstances leading to Singh’s assault and death were being ascertained and that necessary legal action was being taken. The FIR was registered under Section 103(2), which covers murder committed by a group of five or more persons acting in concert on specified grounds including race, caste or community, and Section 3(5), which deals with acts committed by several persons in furtherance of a common intention.
In connection with the incident, FIR No. 296/26 u/s 103(2)/3(5) has been registered and a copy has been provided to the family of the deceased. The DCP and other senior officers have met the family and assured prompt and lawful action. All accused persons have been identified and…
— DCP South East Delhi (@DCPSEastDelhi) September 7, 2026
Following Singh’s death, Northeast community members, student groups and civil society organisations gathered outside Sunlight Colony Police Station, demanding that those involved be identified and legal action be taken. The North East Students’ Society at Delhi University called for a swift and unbiased inquiry, while a candlelight march was held in Singh’s memory.
Delhi, India. A music teacher from Manipur beaten to death at Kilokari under Sunlight colony police station, South Delhi. Chongtham Vikram has been residing in the area for atleast 10years in the area. He objected to loud noises and nuisance created in front of his house. What… pic.twitter.com/CJm0P5ZFAy
— huidrom athouba (@HuidromAthouba) September 7, 2026
Community Raises Concerns
Some members of the Northeast community have alleged that the assault could have been racially motivated. However, Delhi Police have said that no such motive has been established at this stage and that both the motive and circumstances of the assault are being examined.
Singh, who was from Imphal, was known for his work in Manipur’s Western music scene and had played guitar with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark before working as a private music teacher in Delhi. Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed grief over Singh’s death and urged Delhi Police to take swift action, thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice.
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