Manipur Musician Dies After Assault in Delhi; Eight Held

A 55-year-old musician from Manipur died in Delhi on Monday, a day after he was allegedly attacked by a group of men near his residence in the Ashram area. The Delhi Police have arrested seven individuals and detained a 15-year-old boy in connection with the incident.

The deceased, identified as Chongtham Vikram Singh, was a guitarist who had performed with rock bands and also worked as a music teacher. He had been living in the capital for several years.

According to the police complaint filed by his son, Yaiphaba, the attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Yaiphaba and his mother heard loud noises and Singh screaming. When Yaiphaba opened the door, he saw four to five people kicking and punching his father. The assailants fled when he raised an alarm.

Singh was taken to a private hospital by his family, where he died on Monday morning. His body was later moved to AIIMS for a post-mortem examination.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to murder by a group of five or more persons on grounds of race, caste, or community, and acts committed with common intent. The accused, aged between 15 and 36, reportedly worked at nearby food stalls and had allegedly threatened Singh previously after he complained about noise.

The North East Media Forum condemned the killing and urged authorities to investigate the possibility of racial or identity-based targeting. It called for strict action and emphasised the need for people from the Northeast to live and work in Delhi without fear.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure swift justice.