Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, 55, died on Monday after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men outside his home in southeast Delhi, writes Indian Express.
According to police and family members, Singh went downstairs late Sunday night after objecting to a group allegedly creating noise near his residence in Kilokari. The confrontation reportedly escalated, and he was assaulted.
His son, Yaiphaba, rushed him to Holy Family Hospital in Okhla, where doctors treated him for serious injuries. He later succumbed to the injuries. A hospital report cited haemorrhagic shock caused by blunt force trauma as the cause of death.
Police have arrested seven adults and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the case. Southeast Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Vineet Kumar said senior officers had met Singh’s family and community members and assured them of prompt and lawful action. He added that further investigation was underway.
The killing has also sparked concern among members of Delhi’s Northeast community, with some alleging a possible racial motive. Police, however, said no such motive had been established and that the circumstances surrounding the incident remained under investigation.
Originally from Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai in Imphal West, Singh emerged from Manipur’s vibrant rock scene in the early 1980s.
He began his musical journey with Ultra Vires before becoming the lead guitarist of Phoenix, one of the influential rock bands of Manipur at the time. He later performed with another prominent local group, Eastern Dark.
Phoenix frontman Vivek Sharma remembered Singh as a musician who rarely sought the spotlight but played an important role behind the scenes.
Describing him as an “irreplaceable person”, dear friend and elder brother, Sharma recalled Singh’s dedication to precision and perfection. He said Singh would quietly ensure that things were done properly, whether working with a band or a larger group, without seeking recognition.
Singh eventually moved to Delhi, where he continued his involvement in music. He reportedly spent around 17 years in the capital, establishing a music school and teaching aspiring musicians.
He also mentored students from his home and taught at the Delhi School of Music.
Beyond teaching, Singh was involved with the Rock’n’Roots project, where he collaborated with Rajasthani folk singer Mame Khan. He also performed with other musicians at cultural programmes, concerts and shows.
Singh came from a family deeply connected to Manipur’s cultural heritage.
His mother, Chongtham Kamala, is a celebrated Manipuri classical and playback singer. She lent her voice to Matamgi Manipur in 1972, the first Manipuri feature film, and was an approved broadcast singer with All India Radio, Imphal.
Often described as the “Lata Mangeshkar of the Manipuri film industry”, Kamala went on to record numerous songs and contribute to the region’s cultural life through talks, workshops and masterclasses.
Singh’s family also has a connection to Indian cinema through his cousin Lakshmipriya Devi, director of Boong.
Singh is survived by his wife, Jyotsana, 54, and their 20-year-old son, Yaiphaba, a law student.
