IMPHAL | Delhi Police have arrested eight people, including a juvenile, in connection with the death of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, who allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of men in southeast Delhi’s Kilokari-Maharani Bagh area.

The arrested persons have been identified as Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36) and Mannu (26), besides a 15-year-old juvenile. According to police, the accused worked at nearby dhabas and eateries, with five of them employed at Saini Dhaba.

Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and Singh’s death. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

Police have said that no racial motive has been established so far.

The incident reportedly began after Singh objected to a group of men allegedly making noise outside his residence late at night. According to Ngashan Vashum, a Delhi Police Northeast Representative (DPNER) and community liaison officer, the disagreement allegedly escalated into a violent confrontation during which Singh sustained serious injuries.

Singh, who lived in Delhi with his wife and son, was taken to Holy Family Hospital by his son, Yaiphaba. He later succumbed to his injuries.

His death has triggered grief and anger among the Northeast community in Delhi as well as in Manipur. Nearly 100 people gathered in the Kilokari-Ashram area on Monday evening for a candlelight vigil, demanding justice and a swift and impartial investigation.

Participants held candles and called for accountability, urging authorities to ensure that all those found responsible are brought to justice.

The death has also prompted an outpouring of grief among musicians, artistes, friends and political leaders in Manipur. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the safety of people from the Northeast living in the national capital.

“After many such incidents, every Northeast family in Delhi is asking the same question today – are we safe here?” Gandhi said in a social media post, questioning the Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police over what he described as growing lawlessness against people from the Northeast.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed deep sorrow over Singh’s death and said his contribution to the State’s music and cultural life would be remembered. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh urged Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that justice was delivered at the earliest.

A prominent figure in Manipur’s Western music movement, Chongtham Vikram Singh had played guitar with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He later worked as a music teacher in Delhi and remained associated with efforts to promote Western music in Manipur.

With eight people now in custody, investigators are examining the events leading to the assault and Singh’s subsequent death. The progress of the probe is being closely watched by members of the Northeast community.