India
oi-Prakash KL
A 54-year-old former music teacher from Manipur was brutally killed on Monday night in southeast Delhi’s Kilokari area after he confronted a group of men who were creating a ruckus outside his home. The victim, Chongtham Vikram Singh, was allegedly attacked by eight people-including dhaba workers and delivery executives who reportedly smashed his head with blunt objects.
Vikram, who ran a small music school in the capital and had been teaching here for the past 17 years, had stepped out of his third-floor flat. A group of men had gathered near a dhaba directly opposite his residence, shouting loudly and causing disturbance. When Vikram asked them to keep it down, things turned ugly within minutes, according to a report in The Tribune.
A 54-year-old Manipur music teacher, Chongtham Vikram Singh, was fatally attacked in Delhi’s Kilokari after asking a group causing a disturbance to be quiet. Police arrested eight individuals, including dhaba workers and delivery executives, related to the assault, registering the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the murder. Those arrested include Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36), Mannu (26), and a minor whose identity has not been disclosed. Most of them are employed at the same dhaba or work as delivery agents in the area.
CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows a harrowing scene, an injured man being carried down the staircase on someone’s shoulder, while the alleged attackers can be seen exiting the building moments later.
Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of renowned Manipuri guitarist and Western music pioneer, Shri Chongtham Vikram Singh, and deeply concerned by the incident in which he was allegedly assaulted near his residence in southeast Delhi.
Shri Vikram Singh’s invaluable… pic.twitter.com/MH49Pcdh8A
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 7, 2026
The victim’s son, 20-year-old Yaiphaba Chongtham, rushed his father to Holy Family Hospital after the attack. But doctors could not save him. Vikram Singh succumbed to his injuries during treatment, leaving behind his wife Joshna, 50, and their son.
Who Was Chongtham Vikram?
Vikram wasn’t just any music teacher. He came from a distinguished artistic lineage. His mother Chongtham Ongbi Kamala Devi was a renowned classical vocalist and he was also a cousin of Lakshmipriya Devi, the director of India’s first BAFTA Award-winning film, Hindustan Times reported.
In Manipur, Vikram was well-known as a guitarist who had performed with several popular bands before moving to Delhi years ago.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has extended his condolence over the death. In a social media post, he said, “His valuable contribution to music and the cultural life of Manipur will always be remembered with deep respect. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for strength and solace to help them bear this irreparable loss.
May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.”
Former Manipur CM Biren Singh expressed concern over the incident and said that the untimely death is a big loss to the music fraternity.
“Shri Vikram Singh’s invaluable contribution to music will always be remembered. His untimely passing is a great loss to his family, the music fraternity, and the people of Manipur. With evidence now emerging in connection with the incident, I urge the Delhi Police to take swift and appropriate action, thoroughly investigate the matter, and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest,” Singh said in a social media post.
Members of the Northeast community in Delhi have expressed outrage over the incident. A large number of people from the North East Students’ Society and various civil society organisations gathered outside Sunlight Colony Police Station, demanding strict action against all those involved. They have also called for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the matter, The Times of India reported.
According to police officials, a PCR call was received at the Sunlight Colony station, following which a case was registered under sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 103(2) deals with murder committed by a group of five or more persons acting together on grounds such as race, caste, community, language, or personal belief. Section 3(5) pertains to criminal acts carried out by multiple individuals with a common intention.
