The body of 54-year-old renowned guitarist and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh arrived at Imphal International Airport on Wednesday, days after he succumbed to injuries sustained in an assault in southeast Delhi. A large gathering of grieving family members, close friends, relatives, and admirers assembled at the terminal to receive his mortal remains. The crowd subsequently escorted the body from the airport to his native home, where preparations for his final rites are underway in an emotional atmosphere.
Tragic Dispute Outside Delhi Residence
The fatal incident took place on September 7 in Kilokari village, located near the Ashram area in southeast Delhi. According to available details, an argument broke out outside Vikram Singh’s residence over persistent noise and disturbance created by delivery workers and local eatery staff. The confrontation escalated rapidly, resulting in a group of men physically assaulting the 54-year-old musician, who later succumbed to his injuries.
A Pioneer of Western Music in Manipur
Chongtham Vikram Singh was widely recognized as a key figure in shaping Manipur’s Western music movement. Over the years, he showcased his guitar skills across multiple prominent musical groups, including Ultra Vires, Phoenix, and Eastern Dark. Beyond his performance career, Singh had been living in Delhi, where he worked as a dedicated music teacher and mentored aspiring musicians.
Calls for Justice and Proposed CBI Investigation
Following the tragedy, Singh’s family has demanded immediate and impartial action from law enforcement agencies. They have urged authorities to execute a thorough investigation, uncover the complete truth behind the assault, and bring every individual responsible to justice without delay.
The situation has also prompted high-level administrative dialogue. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh contacted Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to request urgent official intervention. Expressing deep shock and concern over the violent attack, the Manipur Chief Minister asked for a transparent and time-bound probe by Delhi Police. He further recommended that if circumstances warrant, the investigation should be transferred to an independent specialized agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to maintain public trust in the justice process.
