Retired musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, 54, died during treatment after he was allegedly beaten up by a group of people in Delhi's Ashram area. Delhi Police said on Monday that Singh was attacked after he allegedly protested against people creating noise and ruckus outside his house.
According to the police, the incident took place in Kilokari village in the early hours of Monday. Singh had warned people who were allegedly creating noise and trouble outside his house from doing so. After this a group of people allegedly beat him up. Seriously injured Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital by his son Yaifaba, where he died during treatment.
What action happened?
Police said that the accused include delivery workers and people working at dhabas. Seven people have been arrested in this case, while a minor has also been caught. According to the initial investigation by the police, Singh belonged to the Meitei community. He had protested against the people allegedly making noise outside his house. Police say that after this he was attacked, in which he suffered serious injuries.
Police have identified the accused arrested in the case as Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36) and Mannu (26). Apart from these, a minor has also been caught. FIR number 296/26 has been registered in this case. According to the police, sections 103(2) and 3(5) have been imposed in the FIR. A copy of the FIR has also been given to the family.
Senior police officials, including the DCP, have met the family and assured them of action as per law.
What did the family say?
A relative of Singh alleged that he was 'beaten to death' by local people. The family has demanded justice in this case. The relative also claimed that the police have collected CCTV footage related to the incident. He says that this footage will help in identifying the people involved in the incident and their role.
The relative told ANI, “We want justice. We are citizens of India.” He also expressed concern about the alleged racial discrimination against the people of North-East India. “We want freedom from the brutal violence and racism that we face. We hope that the administration will bring us justice and help us get out of this situation,” he said.
What did the leaders of Manipur say?
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also expressed grief over the death of the musician. He said in a post on social media platform X that Vikram Singh's important contribution to the music and cultural life of Manipur will always be remembered with respect.
Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, he said that he prays to God to give the family strength and solace to bear this irreparable loss. He also wished for peace of the departed soul.
What did the former Chief Minister of Manipur say?
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also expressed grief over the death of Vikram Singh. He described him as a famous Manipuri guitarist and one of the pioneers of western music in the state. N Biren Singh said that Vikram Singh's invaluable contribution to music will always be remembered. He said that his untimely demise is a big loss for the family, the music world and the people of Manipur. He appealed to Delhi Police to thoroughly investigate the matter, take swift action and ensure justice as soon as possible.
Delhi Police is investigating further
Delhi Police has said that all the accused in the case have been identified and arrested. The police are now investigating the entire circumstances that led to the alleged attack and subsequent death of Vikram Singh.