Delhi Assault: Autopsy Finds Massive Internal Bleeding in Manipur Musician’s Death

NEW DELHI — Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh died from massive internal bleeding caused by severe trauma to his chest and abdomen after he was allegedly assaulted outside his home in southeast Delhi, according to an AIIMS post-mortem report cited by police on Thursday.

The 54-year-old musician was attacked in Kilokari village late on September 6 after he confronted a group of men over noise and commotion outside his residence, police said. He was taken to Holy Family Hospital by his son, where he initially responded to treatment but later suffered a haemorrhage and died at about 6:32 a.m. on September 7.

The post-mortem findings provide the clearest medical account yet of how the assault proved fatal.

Autopsy finds multiple rib fractures and splenic injury

According to the AIIMS report, Singh had fractures of the first through 11th ribs on the left side and the sixth through ninth ribs on the right. Blood and clots were found around the fractures.

The examination also found a laceration of the spleen, an injury capable of causing severe internal blood loss.

Dr Sudhir Gupta, Chief of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS, said Singh died following severe physical assault to the abdomen and chest that resulted in massive bleeding.

A senior police officer told PTI that the alleged attackers kicked Singh in the chest and abdomen after he fell to the ground. That account is part of the ongoing police investigation and should be distinguished from the medical findings established by the post-mortem.

Assault followed dispute over noise

Police said the incident began at around 11:30 p.m. on September 6, when Singh went downstairs after hearing a commotion outside his home.

According to the complaint filed by his 20-year-old son, Yaiphaba, the son heard his father shouting, opened the door, and saw a group of men allegedly kicking and punching him. Singh later returned upstairs and complained of breathlessness before his son took him to hospital.

Police have said Singh had objected to noise and disturbances associated with people gathering near a nearby dhaba. He had reportedly complained to the dhaba owner on previous occasions, although police said he had not filed a formal complaint about the noise.

Investigators have also been examining a claim in the FIR that some of the men had previously threatened Singh after he objected to the disturbance. That allegation comes from the complaint filed by his son and remains part of the investigation.

Seven men arrested, juvenile detained

Delhi Police have arrested seven men in connection with the case and detained a juvenile.

The adults identified by police are Bharat Kumar, 19; Pramod, 26; Ramzan Khan, 22; Deepanshu, 21; Mohan Vishwakarma, 32; Vijay, 36; and Mannu, 26.

The FIR registered at Sunlight Colony police station invokes Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to murder in circumstances covered by that provision. The investigation remains underway.

Police have said the accused told investigators they wanted to “teach him a lesson” after Singh objected to the noise, but allegedly did not expect the assault to result in his death. That account is based on police questioning and is not a judicial finding.

Police examine possible racial angle

The killing has also prompted concerns among members of Delhi’s Northeast community.

Police have said they are examining all aspects of the case, including whether there was a racial dimension. As of the latest reports, investigators had not found evidence that racial slurs were used during the altercation.

The distinction is important because demands for a wider investigation have emerged alongside the criminal investigation into the assault itself.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has sought a fair and time-bound investigation and written to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta over the case. The chief minister also raised concerns about the safety of people from the Northeast living in the national capital.

Singh’s family and members of the Manipur community have continued to demand justice. His mortal remains were taken to Imphal, where his last rites were performed on September 9.

A musician known to Manipur’s rock scene

Vikram Singh was a familiar figure in Manipur’s Western music scene.

He began playing guitar with Ultra Vires and later became associated with Phoenix, one of the state’s notable rock bands, as well as Eastern Dark. After moving to Delhi, he worked as a music teacher and continued to teach and perform.

His death has drawn tributes from musicians and members of the Northeast community. His mother, Chongtham Kamala Devi, is a respected singer from Manipur and was associated with the state’s early film and music industry.

The latest post-mortem findings have established the extent of Singh’s physical injuries and the immediate medical cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the assault, the role of each accused, and any possible motive remain matters for the police investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.