Manipuri musician's murder in Delhi prompts political outrage

The fatal assault of 54-year-old Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in South Delhi's Ashram area has provoked widespread condemnation, political reaction, and demands for enhanced security for Northeastern residents in the national capital. The incident occurred around 11:30 PM on September 6, 2026, after Vikram Singh reportedly went downstairs from his home to complain about loud noise caused by delivery personnel and local dhaba staff. His wife, Joshna Chongtham, stated that a simple request to reduce the noise escalated into a violent attack. Singh was chased back to his doorstep and severely beaten by a group of eight men before the assailants fled when family members opened the door. ADVERTISEMENT Stay connected Make The News Mill your preferred source See more TNM stories when you search for news on Google. Add TNM on Google Suffering from severe breathlessness and low blood pressure, Vikram Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital's emergency room where he died at 6:00 AM on September 7. Joshna Chongtham described her husband as a peace-loving musician who lived quietly. She expressed gratitude to community members and civil society for their support and hoped that justice would be served to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. ADVERTISEMENT Police sources confirmed that Vikram Singh was attacked after objecting to the disturbance caused by delivery workers and dhaba staff opposite his residence. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh sent a formal letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressing profound concern and requesting personal intervention to ensure a prompt, transparent investigation overseen by senior police officials. The letter also urged stringent prosecution of the perpetrators and the consideration of an independent probe by agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation to maintain public confidence. The Chief Minister further called for visible security measures to protect communities with significant populations from Manipur and other Northeastern states residing in Delhi. ADVERTISEMENT The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee condemned the attack, questioning the safety, dignity, and equality of Northeastern citizens in the capital. Spokesperson Lilina criticised the racial discrimination that led to the fatal violence and stressed that national development is meaningless without safeguarding the constitutional rights of all citizens. Human rights activist Binalakshmi Nepram issued a stern warning stating that further attacks on Manipuris in Delhi or Manipur would provoke serious retaliation. She highlighted the conflict situation in Manipur and the expectation of safety for people migrating to Delhi. Assamese singer and composer Joi Barua described the killing as 'plain blooded murder,' emphasising its shamefulness on a day marking the birth centenary of legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika. He called for the enforcement of stringent laws to prevent similar incidents. Political leaders across parties condemned the murder. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi demanded a swift investigation and justice for Vikram Singh, questioning the effectiveness of the Home Ministry and Delhi Police in protecting Northeastern residents. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge characterised the lynching as a chilling example of lawlessness under the Bharatiya Janata Party government and called for strict action against those responsible. He cited National Crime Records Bureau data to assert that Delhi has become a crime capital under Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera accused the state and central governments of creating a culture of impunity through lax law enforcement, contributing to the environment that led to the murder. Congress MP Christopher Tilak framed the attack as symptomatic of systemic racism in Delhi, urging national focus on discrimination faced by Northeastern and South Indian communities. AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam condemned the assault and called on the central government to ensure the accused face the strictest punishment. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reported that all eight individuals involved in the assault had been arrested. He described the incident as 'very distressing' and confirmed that arrangements are underway to return Vikram Singh's remains to Manipur. The accused individuals hail from different states and communities and were in Delhi for work. South East District Senior DSP Vineet Kumar said the investigation is ongoing, with evidence collection including eyewitness statements and CCTV footage being prioritised to deliver swift justice. He noted that the accused work locally as delivery boys or workers. Community members Sangeeta Devi and Narmada Devi described the family's shock and emphasised the demand for justice. Neroda Devi, a long-term resident, recalled Vikram Singh as a kind and non-confrontational musician.