Members of the Manipuri and wider Northeast communities held a candlelight march in southeast Delhi on September 7, demanding justice following the death of 54-year-old musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram, who allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of men in Kilokari.
The march began at Sunlight Colony Police Station and ended at Chauhan Park in Phase 1 of Sunlight Colony, with protesters demanding strict legal action against all those responsible for Vikram’s death.
Vikram had lived in the area with his wife and son for around 10 years. Reports said he was allegedly assaulted by seven to eight men after objecting to loud noise and nuisance outside his residence. His son took him to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident triggered anger among the Manipuri community and the wider Northeast population in Delhi. Protesters gathered outside the police station and demanded that everyone involved in the alleged assault be brought to justice.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Southeast Delhi, said police had registered FIR No. 296/26 under Sections 103(2) and 3(5). Police handed a copy of the FIR to Vikram’s family.
The DCP and other senior officers also met the bereaved family and assured them of necessary legal action. Police said they had identified and apprehended all the accused and were investigating the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding Vikram’s death.
Vikram was known in Manipur’s Western music circuit and had played guitar with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He was the eldest son of renowned Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala.
The North East Students’ Society, Delhi University (NESSDU), condemned the alleged assault and called for a swift and impartial investigation. Civil society organisations and members of the Northeast community also demanded legal action against those responsible.
Some community members alleged that Vikram may have been targeted on racial grounds. Police, however, have not established any such motive, saying the circumstances and motive behind the alleged assault remain under investigation.
The Delhi Police said, “Necessary legal action is being taken as per law. Further facts will be established during investigation.”
