A 54-year-old Manipuri musician, Chongtham Vikram Singh, died after allegedly being assaulted by delivery workers and dhaba staff following a dispute over shouting and nuisance outside his residence in Kilokari village, southeast Delhi.
According to police, Singh objected to a group of men allegedly creating a disturbance and drinking outside his apartment. He came downstairs to raise the issue but was reportedly punched and kicked by the group. He fled towards his home, but the assailants allegedly chased him into the building.
Singh’s son, Yaiphaba, took him to Holy Family Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A PCR call from his son alerted police to the incident. CCTV footage reportedly showed a group of eight men leaving the apartment building after the assault.
Police arrested Bharat Kumar, 19, Pramod, 26, Ramzan Khan, 22, Deepanshu, 21, Mohan Vishwakarma, 32, Vijay, 36, Mannu, 26, and apprehended a juvenile. All are reportedly workers at different dhabas and food stalls.
Singh was a prominent figure in Manipur’s Western music scene and had played guitar with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He was also the eldest son of renowned singer Chongtham Kamala.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Northeast community groups demanded swift and impartial action. While some alleged a racial motive, police said no such motive had been established and that the circumstances remain under investigation.
Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic and untimely death of renowned Manipuri guitarist and pioneer of Western music, Shri Chongtham Vikram.
The reported assault on Vikram ji, who allegedly lost his life after being attacked in New Delhi, is shocking and utterly condemnable.… pic.twitter.com/pZIhMhBorU
— Moirangthem Asnikumar (@asnikumarmoira1) September 7, 2026
