The death of Manipuri musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh following an alleged assault outside his home in southeast Delhi has triggered concern among Northeastern communities, with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi asking whether families from the region feel safe in the national capital.
Musician dies after late-night confrontation
Singh, aged 54 or 55 according to different reports, was allegedly assaulted late on Sunday night in Kilokari after he objected to a group of men making noise outside his residence. He was taken to hospital by his son but later died from his injuries.
Police have arrested seven men and apprehended a 15-year-old boy in connection with the case. Officials have said the circumstances and motive are being investigated, with no racial motive established so far.
Singh was a respected guitarist who had played with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark in Manipur. He later moved to Delhi, where he worked as a music teacher and ran a music school.
Rahul Gandhi asks if Northeast families are safe
Reacting to the incident, Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences to Singh’s family and demanded a swift investigation and justice.
He also highlighted wider concerns about the safety of people from the Northeast living in Delhi, saying that families were asking whether they were safe in the capital after repeated incidents.
The killing has also prompted calls from Northeastern community groups and civil society organisations for a fair and impartial investigation. The incident has renewed discussion about the safety, dignity and treatment of people from the region in metropolitan cities.