Vikram Singh, a well-known Manipuri guitarist and music teacher, died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of men outside his home in southeast Delhi, triggering grief and anger among members of the Northeast community. A candlelight march was held in Kilokari on Monday evening, with nearly 100 people demanding swift action and justice for the musician.
Candlelight march seeks justice for Vikram Singh
The candlelight march followed the death of Vikram Singh, who had lived in Delhi for several years and worked as a private music teacher. Participants gathered to remember the musician and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The protest came as Delhi Police arrested seven adults and apprehended a 15-year-old boy in connection with the alleged assault. Police have also obtained CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh expressed concern over the incident and urged Delhi Police to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest.
How the alleged assault unfolded
According to police and reports citing people familiar with the case, the incident took place late on Sunday night in Kilokari village. Vikram Singh reportedly objected to a group of men creating noise and a disturbance near his residence.
Police said the group included delivery workers and staff associated with nearby eateries or dhabas. The disagreement allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Singh was reportedly chased towards his building and assaulted in the stair lobby.
The 54-year-old musician suffered serious injuries. His son later took him to Holy Family Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment. Reports have cited severe blunt-force injuries as the cause of death.
Two CCTV recordings have also emerged. They reportedly show the accused leaving the building and Singh’s family carrying him downstairs shortly afterwards. Investigators are examining the footage as they piece together the sequence of events.
Vikram Singh was a pioneer of Manipur’s music scene
Beyond the circumstances of his death, Vikram Singh was remembered as an important figure in Manipur’s Western music movement. He played lead guitar for bands including Phoenix and was also associated with Ultra Vires and Eastern Dark during the 1980s.
After moving to Delhi nearly two decades ago, he continued working in music and established a school where he taught students. He also taught at the Delhi School of Music and was involved in musical collaborations, including the Rock’n’Roots project with Rajasthani folk singer Mame Khan.
His death has therefore resonated strongly within Manipur’s cultural community. Friends, students and members of the wider Northeast community have mourned the loss of a musician who spent decades contributing to the region’s music scene.
Calls for a fair and swift investigation
The case has also raised concerns among Northeast community groups in Delhi about safety and the treatment of people from the region. However, police have not established any racial motive in the incident so far, and the investigation remains underway.
The demand from protesters is focused on accountability and a transparent investigation. They have called for the accused to face appropriate legal action if found responsible for the fatal assault.
Political leaders and community organisations have also condemned the incident. The case has gained wider attention as concerns grow over the safety of Northeast residents living in major cities.
Investigation continues after the protest
With seven adults arrested and a juvenile apprehended, investigators are now examining witness accounts, CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the precise sequence of events.
The candlelight march has added public pressure for the investigation to move quickly. For those who gathered in Kilokari, the demand was simple: accountability for the death of Vikram Singh and a fair legal process for everyone involved.
As the investigation progresses, the musician’s family, students and supporters are waiting for clarity on what led to the fatal confrontation. His death has left a deep void in Manipur’s music community while renewing calls for greater safety and dignity for Northeast Indians living in the national capital.