Manipuri Guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh Dies After Assault in New Delhi, Eight Arrested

Dragon Media News Desk

A 54-year-old Manipuri guitarist, Chongtham Vikram Singh, has died after being assaulted in New Delhi. Singh was reportedly attacked after stepping outside his apartment to check on a disturbance and was chased back toward the building before being beaten on the staircase. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died during treatment.

The incident took place on Sunday night while Singh was at home with his wife and son. According to the available account, he went downstairs after hearing noise outside, where an argument broke out with a group of people. Delhi Police have arrested eight people, including a minor, in connection with the case. Police have not yet officially confirmed the precise motive behind the attack.

Singh was a well-known figure in the rock music scene of Manipur and Northeast India. He was the lead guitarist of the band Eastern Dark, which was established in the 1980s. He had been living in Delhi for around two decades and also taught music privately, helping younger musicians develop their careers.

His death has renewed concern over the safety of people from Manipur and other northeastern states living in major Indian cities. Members of northeastern communities have long raised concerns about discrimination, social exclusion and insecurity. However, police have not yet confirmed that Singh’s killing was racially motivated.

The killing has also triggered political reactions. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah while raising questions about the security of citizens from Northeast India. Singh’s death has further intensified demands for a fair investigation and accountability in the case.