Delhi Police have arrested eight persons, including a 15-year-old juvenile, in connection with the alleged assault and killing of Manipuri guitarist and musician Chongtham Vikram Singh at Kilokari Village in New Delhi in the early hours of September 7.
The incident occurred between 12 midnight and 12.30 am in front of Vikram’s residence at 148-B/12, Flat No. 9, Third Floor, Kilokari Village, where he had been staying.
According to reports, Vikram was allegedly attacked by a group of men after he objected to loud noise from a gathering taking place outside his residence. He was reportedly assaulted after asking the group to lower the noise, which had disturbed him and residents in the vicinity. He later succumbed to his injuries.
The arrests have triggered outrage among the Manipuri diaspora in Delhi, with fans, music lovers and members of the wider Northeast community joining protests demanding justice for the slain musician. People from Delhi have also reportedly joined the demonstrations.
The arrested persons have been identified as Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36) and Mannu (26). A 15-year-old juvenile has also been apprehended in connection with the case.
Police said the accused are employed in various food delivery, packaging and food outlet-related jobs in and around the area.
The killing of Vikram, a well-known guitarist, musician and music teacher, has sent shockwaves through Delhi’s Manipuri community and the city’s music fraternity.
The Delhi Manipuri Academic Fraternity strongly condemned the killing and expressed profound shock and grief over his death. In a statement, its Secretary, Prof. Shanta Laishram, said Vikram was a gifted guitarist, musician and teacher who had made a significant contribution to Delhi’s music community.
Vikram had been associated with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix, Eastern Dark and Fubar Ghetto, besides spending years teaching and mentoring young musicians.
The fraternity demanded a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to his death and said anyone found responsible for criminal wrongdoing or negligence must be held accountable under the law.
It also urged authorities to establish the truth and ensure justice for Vikram and his family, while appealing to the community to remain peaceful, united and vigilant.
The fraternity conveyed its condolences to Vikram’s family, friends and fellow musicians, remembering him for his music, his contribution to young artists and his lasting cultural legacy.
