3 hrs ago
Manipur musician’s lynching revives Delhi’s concerns over racism
Chongtham Vikram Singh was a musician from Manipur who lived in Delhi.
He reportedly asked a group of men to stop making noise and drinking outside his home.
Police said he was then attacked by several men linked to nearby food stalls and dhabas.
Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital by his son, but later died.
Police arrested seven men and apprehended a juvenile.
People from northeastern India said the incident reminded them of racist insults and unfair treatment they face.
Some said northeastern people are wrongly called names such as “Chinese” or “Momo.”
Residents and student groups held a candle march for Singh.
Police are still checking whether racism played a role in the attack.
Chongtham Vikram Singh, a 54-year-old musician from Manipur, died after being assaulted in southeast Delhi.
Police said Singh had objected to men allegedly shouting, drinking and creating a nuisance outside his home.
Seven men were arrested and a juvenile was apprehended in connection with the case.
Northeastern residents alleged that racist slurs and discrimination remain common in Delhi.
Police are investigating whether racism was a motive, while residents held a candle march demanding strict action.
- Who
- Chongtham Vikram Singh, a 54-year-old musician from Manipur, was killed; police arrested seven men and apprehended a juvenile.
- What
- Singh was allegedly beaten after objecting to noise, drinking and a nuisance outside his home, and later died.
- Where
- The incident occurred in Kilokari village in southeast Delhi.
- When
- The assault occurred around midnight on Sunday; Singh died after being taken to hospital the following morning.
- Why
- Police said the confrontation began after Singh objected to the group’s behavior; a racist motive remains under investigation.
Community concerns
Police account
Possible racist motive
Community concerns
Northeastern residents said the killing reopened longstanding concerns about racist slurs and discrimination, including people being called “Chinese” or “Momo.”
Police account
Police said they were investigating whether racism was a motive and had not established it in the preliminary inquiry.
Cause of confrontation
Community concerns
Residents described Singh as objecting to loud noise and drinking outside his home and viewed his death as the killing of an Indian man exercising that concern.
Police account
Police said a preliminary inquiry found that Singh objected to a group of men creating a nuisance outside his house before the assault.
Demand for accountability
Community concerns
Residents and members of the northeastern community held a candle march and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Police account
Police reported seven arrests and the apprehension of a juvenile while continuing their investigation.
Key facts
- Victim
- Chongtham Vikram Singh, a 54-year-old guitarist and musician from Manipur
- Incident location
- Kilokari village, southeast Delhi
- Reported trigger
- Singh allegedly objected to men shouting, drinking alcohol and creating a nuisance outside his apartment
- Arrests
- Seven men were arrested and one juvenile was apprehended
- Suspects’ work
- Police said the accused worked at different dhabas and food stalls
- Hospital
- Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital by his son, Yaiphaba
- Community response
- Delhi residents and northeastern community members held a candle march demanding strict action
Quotes
Unnamed neighbour from Manipur
A neighbour of Singh from Manipur who witnessed people chasing him outside the building.
“I saw some people running behind a person. I had no idea who they were as it was dark outside. They were abusing him and, due to fear and the late hour, I shut my door.”
telegraphindia.com
“We always face racism here. Several people call us Chinese or Momo. We are Indian and we feel proud. Why do others not think of us as Indians?”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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