Delhi police charge eight after mob kills Manipur musician

Kohima: Seven men and one juvenile are in custody after a deadly assault on a 54-year-old Manipur musician. Chongtham Vikram Singh lived in the Kilokari area for a decade. He worked as a music teacher and guitarist. Early Monday, he confronted a group of dhaba workers and delivery staff drinking outside his home. The confrontation turned fatal. The mob beat him until he suffered critical injuries. His son rushed him to a local hospital, but he died. Police operate under the Sunlight Colony station.

Political leaders are trading heavy blows over the killing. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge labeled the incident a "merciless lynching" and a sign of lawlessness. Rahul Gandhi questioned the safety of families from the Northeast living in the capital. He wrote on X, "A father, killed outside his own home, in his own country’s capital."

The BJP fired back immediately. Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia attacked Rahul Gandhi, asking where he was hiding during previous controversies involving Sam Pitroda. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju promised a swift resolution. He stated that the Delhi Police will file a chargesheet within nine days. Rijiju is monitoring the probe personally.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reached out to his Delhi counterpart, Rekha Gupta. He demanded a high-level investigation and firm accountability. Demonstrators held a candlelight vigil at the Kangla Western Gate in Imphal to pressure authorities for justice. Officials maintain they will not hold back in building the case against the accused.