A 54-year-old guitarist and music teacher from Manipur died after he was allegedly beaten by a group of eight people outside his rented home in southeast Delhi's Kilokari village, police and people familiar with the incident said.
The incident took place late on Sunday night after Vikram Singh Chongtham reportedly objected to a group of workers creating a commotion near his residence. Police have arrested seven men and apprehended a 15-year-old boy in connection with the death.
Chongtham was living in Delhi for around 17 years, working as a private music teacher. He stayed with his wife Joshna Chongtham, 50, and their 20-year-old son Yaiphaba Chongtham in a third-floor flat in Kilokari, under the Sunlight Colony Police Station.
Altercation after objection to commotion
According to Manipuri social activist B Ruchida Sharma, Chongtham went downstairs at around 11.30 pm to throw out garbage when he noticed a group of workers from two nearby dhabas shouting and creating a disturbance.
An argument allegedly followed after Chongtham objected to their behaviour. Sharma said he tried to return to his home but was followed by the group.
“They chased him to the third floor, overpowered him in the corridor and rained blows on him before fleeing,” Sharma said.
Deputy commissioner of police (southeast) Vineet Kumar said police received information about the assault at 1.38 am on Monday.
Chongtham was taken by his family to a private hospital in Okhla, where he died during treatment at around 7 am, Sharma said.
Eight suspects identified, seven arrested
Police registered a case under Sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators used CCTV footage, technical surveillance and local intelligence to identify the suspects.
The seven arrested men were identified as Bharat Kumar, 19, Pramod, 26, Ramzan Khan, 22, Vijay, 36, Deepanshu, 21, Mohan Vishwakarma, 32, and Mannu, 26. Police said four worked as delivery workers and two as packaging workers at the nearby dhabas, while Mannu was employed at a pizza kiosk.
Candlelight march held in Kilokari
Nearly 100 people from the Northeast gathered in Kilokari village on Monday evening for a candlelight march, seeking swift action in the case.
Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also called for a thorough investigation.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of renowned Manipuri guitarist and Western music pioneer, Shri Chongtham Vikram Singh, and deeply concerned by the incident in which he was allegedly assaulted near his residence in southeast Delhi,” Singh wrote on X.
“With evidence now emerging in connection with the incident, I urge the Delhi Police to take swift and appropriate action, thoroughly investigate the matter, and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest,” he added.