Charges Filed Against Seven in Murder of Manipuri Music Teacher in Delhi

New Delhi, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Delhi police have submitted a charge sheet against seven individuals in connection with the murder of 54-year-old Manipuri music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh. The incident occurred in the Kilokari area of South Delhi, where Singh was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in September.

The charge sheet was filed in Saket court under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 61 (criminal conspiracy), 103(2) (mob murder), 103(1) (murder), and 332(A) (house trespass with intent to commit an offense).

Singh succumbed to his injuries on September 7 at Holy Family Hospital in the Sunlight Colony area. According to an FIR lodged by his son, Yaifaba, the incident took place around 11:30 PM on September 6. He heard his father shouting outside their home and witnessed four to five young men attacking him. Upon seeing the assault, Yaifaba raised an alarm, prompting the attackers to flee.

Yaifaba reported that he recognized the assailants and could identify them. He later transported his father to Holy Family Hospital with his mother, Jochia, and neighbor, Rado. During the ride, Singh informed his son that the attackers had come from a nearby dhaba. He also mentioned that he had received threats from some of them previously after complaining about noise and disturbances.

Singh lost consciousness in the taxi and was pronounced dead after receiving treatment at the hospital. A talented guitarist and music teacher, he had reportedly been out of work for the past seven to eight years and mostly stayed at home with his family, which includes his wife, son, and parents.

His body was subsequently taken to Imphal for the last rites. The murder has drawn widespread condemnation, with various organizations, including the Manipuri Students Association Delhi (MSAD), expressing concerns about potential racial motives and demanding a thorough investigation.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has urged his Delhi counterpart, Arvind Kejriwal, to expedite a high-level inquiry into the alleged murder and ensure strict action against the perpetrators. In a letter to Kejriwal, Singh suggested the possibility of referring the case to an independent agency like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to bolster public confidence in the investigation.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju previously stated that he had spoken with Delhi police, who assured him that a robust charge sheet would be filed within two weeks. Rijiju expressed deep sorrow over Singh’s death and emphasized that the safety and dignity of Northeastern people, as well as all Indians, must never be compromised.

On September 10, the Manipur Chief Minister visited the late musician’s home in Imphal West, meeting with his grieving family. He assured them that justice would be served and that the state government would provide all necessary support.