Agencies | New Delhi:
A 54-year-old retired musician from Manipur died during treatment after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of men outside his home in Delhi’s Ashram area, police said on Monday.
The deceased, identified as Chongtham Vikram Singh, was allegedly attacked in Kilokari village in the early hours of Monday after he objected to a group of men allegedly shouting and creating a nuisance outside his residence, according to Delhi Police.
Singh was rushed to Holy Family Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Police said those allegedly involved in the assault included delivery workers and dhaba staff. Seven men have been arrested and a juvenile has been apprehended in connection with the case.
According to the preliminary inquiry, Singh, who belonged to the Meitei community, had objected to the group allegedly creating a disturbance outside his house. Police said an altercation followed, during which Singh was assaulted and sustained serious injuries.
His son, Yaiphaba, rushed him to Holy Family Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.
The accused have been identified as Bharat Kumar, 19, Pramod, 26, Ramzan Khan, 22, Deepanshu, 21, Mohan Vishwakarma, 32, Vijay, 36, and Mannu, 26, besides a juvenile.
An FIR, numbered 296/26, has been registered under Sections 103(2) and 3(5). Police said a copy of the FIR has been provided to the family.
Senior police officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, have met Singh’s family and assured them that lawful action would be taken.
A relative of Singh alleged that he was “beaten to death by locals” and said the family was seeking justice.
The relative also claimed that police had collected CCTV footage from the area, which could help establish the identities and individual roles of those allegedly involved in the assault.
“We want justice. We are citizens of India,” the relative told ANI, while also raising concerns over alleged discrimination and racism faced by people from the Northeast.
“We want freedom from such brutal assaults and the racism we face. We hope the administration will secure justice for us and ensure we are liberated from this situation,” she said.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed grief over the musician’s death, saying Singh’s contribution to music and the cultural life of Manipur would be remembered with respect.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for strength and solace to help them bear this irreparable loss,” he said, adding, “May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti.”
Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also expressed grief, describing Vikram Singh as a renowned Manipuri guitarist and a pioneer of Western music in the state.
“Vikram Singh’s invaluable contribution to music will always be remembered. His untimely passing is a great loss to his family, the music fraternity, and the people of Manipur,” he wrote.
Biren Singh urged Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation, take swift action and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest.
Delhi Police said all the accused persons have been identified and apprehended. Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and Singh’s subsequent death.
The case has also raised concerns among members of the Northeast community, with Singh’s family seeking a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible.
