‘Chased to 3rd floor, overpowered’: How Manipuri musician was beaten to death in Delhi over objecting to noise

Guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh, a pioneer of Manipur's rock music scene, passed away at the age of 55 after being attacked outside his South Delhi home. The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday when Singh confronted a group of men, later identified as mostly food-delivery workers, about excessive noise. The confrontation turned violent, resulting in Singh's critical injuries.

Despite the efforts of his son to get him medical attention at Holy Family Hospital, Singh succumbed to hemorrhagic shock caused by blunt-force trauma.

Singh's musical journey began in the 1980s with Phoenix, one of Manipur's most influential rock bands, where he played lead guitar. Before settling in Delhi, he had been part of Ultra Vires and Eastern Dark. As a music educator, he was known for his humility and dedication to his craft, leaving behind a wife and son. His mother, an acclaimed Manipuri playback singer, continues to teach master classes in Imphal.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Southeast Delhi, Vineet Kumar, confirmed that seven adult suspects and one minor have been arrested. He assured that the case would be handled promptly and lawfully. Singh's former bandmate, Vivek Sharma, remembered him as a humble and peaceful soul who loved music without seeking the spotlight.

Notable figures such as former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the North East Students' Society Delhi University have expressed their condolences, calling for a swift and thorough investigation into the case.