The alleged brutal killing of renowned Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in Delhi has drawn condemnation from political leaders across party lines, with demands for a swift, impartial investigation and stringent action against those responsible.
Vikram, 54, was allegedly assaulted by a group of men near his residence at Kilokari Village in Delhi’s Ashram area after he objected to noise and disturbance outside his home. He was subsequently taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condemned the killing and called for a swift investigation. He said Vikram had gone downstairs to ask a group of men to lower the noise outside his residence and was allegedly beaten to death. Gandhi also raised concerns over the safety of people from the Northeast in Delhi and urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed concern over the incident, saying it had reopened painful memories of alleged atrocities faced by people from the Northeast in the national capital. He called for stringent action against those responsible.
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi mourned Vikram’s death and called for justice, while AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the incident and called for accountability.
In Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed grief over the musician’s death and recalled his contribution to Manipur’s music and cultural landscape. Manipur Congress Legislature Party leader K. Meghachandra termed the killing inhuman and demanded an impartial, time-bound investigation and strict punishment for those found responsible.
Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam said his office had coordinated with police, AIIMS, DMCC volunteers and the victim’s family following the incident. He later said that eight persons, including a juvenile, had been apprehended in connection with the case.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also condemned the incident and raised concerns over what he described as a broader culture of impunity and public nuisance.
Delhi Police have registered an FIR under murder-related provisions and arrested eight persons, including a 15-year-old juvenile, in connection with the case. Police are investigating the circumstances of the assault and the individual roles of those apprehended.
Meanwhile, members of the Manipuri community and supporters held a candlelight march in Delhi demanding justice for Vikram.
