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Vikram Singh was a familiar name in Manipur’s Western music scene and was regarded as one of the pioneers of the state’s rock music movement.
Chongtham Vikram Singh’s death sparks outrage.
The death of Manipuri singer Chongtham Vikram Singh in the national capital has left everyone shocked. A renowned Manipuri guitarist and music teacher, Singh died in Delhi after he was allegedly brutally assaulted by a group of men following an argument over noise outside his residence. The 55-year-old musician, who had spent nearly two decades in Delhi, was attacked late on Sunday night in Kilokari village in southeast Delhi. While is death has triggered outrage among the Manipuri and Northeast communities, it has also increased curiosity among everyone about who Singh was and what actually happened to him. Let’s find out.
Who Was Chongtham Vikram Singh?
Vikram Singh was a familiar name in Manipur’s Western music scene and was regarded as one of the pioneers of the state’s rock music movement. He played lead guitar with several prominent bands, including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He later moved to Delhi, where he spent around 17 years working as a private music teacher and mentoring aspiring musicians.
Singh came from a family with a strong musical and cultural legacy. He was the eldest son of celebrated Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala, who sang for Matamgi Manipur (1972), widely recognised as the first Manipuri feature film.
Singh’s family was also connected to cinema through his cousin, filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi. She was the director of Boong, a movie which became the first Indian film to win a BAFTA.
Despite his association with influential musical and artistic figures, Singh largely worked away from the spotlight.
How Did Chongtham Vikram Singh Die?
The incident reportedly took place around 11.30 pm on Sunday, September 6, outside Singh’s residence in Kilokari village. According to reports, Singh went downstairs after noticing a group of men allegedly creating disturbance outside his home.
A preliminary inquiry found that Singh, who belonged to the Meitei community, had objected to the group allegedly creating a nuisance. Police said he was then assaulted, suffering serious injuries.
However, the argument escalated into a physical confrontation. Reportedly, Singh was chased back towards his third-floor apartment, where the group allegedly caught up with him and assaulted him in the corridor.
Following this, Singh’s son, Yaiphaba, rushed him to Holy Family Hospital, where he died during treatment.
Seven people have been arrested in the case so far. The accused have been identified as Bharat Kumar, 19, Pramod, 26, Ramzan Khan, 22, Deepanshu, 21, Mohan Vishwakarma, 32, Vijay, 36, and Mannu, 26, besides a juvenile.
Police said an FIR, numbered 296/26, has been registered under sections 103(2) and 3(5). A copy of the FIR has been provided to the family. Senior police officers, including the DCP, have met the family and assured them of lawful action.
Outrage Over Musician’s Death
Singh’s death has also prompted strong reactions from the Manipuri community, civil society groups and political figures. Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed grief over the musician’s death and urged Delhi Police to ensure a prompt and lawful 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. Shri Vikram Singh’s invaluable… pic.twitter.com/MH49Pcdh8A
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 7, 2026
The North East Students’ Society, Delhi University, has also condemned the killing and demanded a swift and impartial investigation. Besides this, members of the Northeast community subsequently gathered outside Sunlight Colony Police Station and held a candlelight march seeking justice for Singh.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Chongtham Vikram Singh was a 55-year-old Manipuri guitarist and music teacher, known as a pioneer in Manipur’s Western rock music scene. He played lead guitar for bands like Ultra Vires, Phoenix, and Eastern Dark, and was the eldest son of celebrated Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala.
Ask News18About the Author
Chirag Sehgal works as a Chief Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. He has a strong expertise in content creation, digital storytelling and social media strategy. Skilled in covering ce…Read More
September 08, 2026, 12:37 IST