‘Justice for Vikram’: Candlelight march held in Delhi after Manipuri musician dies in alleged mob assault

Holding candles and demanding justice, members of the Manipuri and Northeast communities took to the streets of southeast Delhi on September 7 following the death of 54-year-old music teacher and guitarist Chongtham Vikram, who allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of men in Kilokari.

The candlelight march was held from Sunlight Colony Police Station to Chauhan Park in Phase 1 of Sunlight Colony, with protesters demanding strict legal action against all those responsible for Vikram’s death.

Vikram, who had lived in the area for around 10 years with his wife and son, was allegedly attacked after objecting to loud noise and nuisance outside his residence. Reports said seven to eight men were involved in the assault, leaving him critically injured.

His son subsequently took him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident has triggered anger among members of the Manipuri community and wider Northeast population in Delhi, with protesters gathering at Sunlight Colony Police Station to seek justice and demand that every person involved in the alleged assault be brought to book.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Southeast Delhi, said police have registered FIR No. 296/26 under Sections 103(2) and 3(5). A copy of the FIR has been handed over to Vikram’s family, police said.

The DCP and other senior police officers also met the bereaved family and assured them that necessary legal action would be taken.

Police said all the accused persons have been identified and apprehended. The investigation is continuing to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding Vikram’s death.

Vikram was a known name in Manipur’s Western music circuit. He had played guitar with bands including Ultra Vires, Phoenix and Eastern Dark. He was also the eldest son of renowned Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala.

The North East Students’ Society, Delhi University (NESSDU), has condemned the alleged assault and called for a swift and impartial investigation. Northeast community members and civil society organisations have also demanded that all those responsible be identified and face legal proceedings.

Some members of the community have alleged that Vikram may have been targeted on racial grounds. Police, however, have not established any such motive so far. 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.”