Who is Chongtham Vikram Singh? Renowned Manipuri guitarist beaten to death in Delhi, 8 arrested

Chongtham Vikram Singh reportedly went downstairs after hearing loud noises allegedly made by a group of drunk men outside his house.

Singh was allegedly attacked by the group, leaving him critically injured. His son, Yaiphaba, rushed him to Holy Family Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, police told NDTV Profit.

Police have arrested seven adults and one juvenile in connection with the incident, according to reports. The accused are reportedly employed as delivery workers and at a dhaba.

Police told News18 that an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident under Sections 103(2) and 3(5). The FIR, numbered 296/26, has been provided to the victim’s family.

The investigation is underway.

Singh, who hailed from Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai in Imphal West, had moved to New Delhi nearly 20 years ago.

Apart from his career as a guitarist, Singh reportedly founded a music school in Delhi and taught at the Delhi School of Music.

He is survived by his wife, Jyotsana, 54, a senior consultant at a multinational company, and their son, Yaiphaba, a law student.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed grief over Singh’s death in a post on X.

“I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of renowned guitarist Shri Chongtham Vikram,” he wrote.

“His valuable contribution to music and the cultural life of Manipur will always be remembered with deep respect. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for strength and solace to help them bear this irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also expressed grief over the death of the Manipuri musician and 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,” he wrote on X.

“Shri 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. 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.