Chongtham Vikram Singh, a Manipuri musician, died from massive internal bleeding caused by blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen, according to an autopsy report from AIIMS Delhi.
Dr Sudhir Gupta, Chief of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, stated that Singh’s death resulted from a severe physical assault that inflicted extensive rib fractures and abdominal injuries. The post-mortem examination revealed multiple blunt-force injuries affecting the head, face, upper limbs, chest, abdomen, back and lower limbs.
The report detailed multiple rib fractures, including the 1st to 11th ribs on the left side and the 6th to 9th ribs on the right, accompanied by surrounding blood extravasation. Additionally, numerous abrasions, bruises and contusions were found on the body. The viscera have been preserved for chemical and toxicological analysis.
The 54-year-old musician died in New Delhi following an assault in the Sunlight Colony area of Kilokari village. His death has caused widespread grief in Manipur and among the Manipuri community in Delhi, with family members and fellow musicians expressing concerns about the safety, dignity and equality of people from the Northeast.
According to the police FIR, Singh confronted a group of men who were allegedly creating noise outside his home in the Ashram area of South Delhi. The men reportedly abused and threatened him. On September 7, the accused allegedly entered the building, chased Singh up three floors, and assaulted him with kicks and blows.
Singh’s wife identified some of the accused as men who had previously threatened her husband. CCTV footage obtained by police appears to show the attackers leaving the scene after the assault. Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he died during treatment.
A total of eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, including a juvenile.