The brutal killing of 54-year-old renowned Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in Delhi has sparked nationwide outrage. The veteran guitarist and music teacher was mercilessly beaten to death by a group of men late Sunday night in Kilokari village after he objected to loud noise and a public ruckus outside his residence. As the Northeast community and public figures demand swift justice, the spotlight has also turned to his grieving family, who are coping with an unimaginable loss.
Here is a detailed look at the life, family background, and the tragic incident involving Chongtham Vikram Singh, including details about his wife Jyotsana and son Yaiphaba.
The Tragic Incident: What Happened in Delhi?
Chongtham Vikram Singh had been living in Delhi for nearly two decades, establishing a reputed career as a music teacher and mentor. On Sunday night, at around 11:30 PM, Singh went downstairs from his third-floor rented apartment in Kilokari village to dispose of garbage. He encountered a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff creating a massive commotion and shouting outside.
When Singh objected to the nuisance, a heated argument ensued. The confrontation escalated, and the group of eight men allegedly chased him back into his apartment building. Overpowered in the corridor of the third floor, Singh was brutally assaulted with fists and kicks. His 20-year-old son, Yaiphaba, rushed him to the Holy Family Hospital in Okhla, where the musician tragically succumbed to his injuries the next morning.
The Delhi Police acted swiftly, arresting seven adults—identified as Bharat Kumar, Pramod, Ramzan Khan, Vijay, Deepanshu, Mohan Vishwakarma, and Mannu—and apprehending a 15-year-old juvenile in connection with the murder.
This is extremely unfortunate. Forget taking swift and exemplary action against guilty, often the accused belong to their own party and the entire machinery starts protecting the guilty. A common citizen is now finding himself helpless against their party and govt https://t.co/GbUkOj3ClP
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 8, 2026
Who is Jyotsana? Details on Vikram Singh’s Wife and Son
Chongtham Vikram Singh is survived by his wife, Jyotsana (also referred to as Joshna Chongtham in some reports), and their son, Yaiphaba Chongtham.
- Wife (Jyotsana): Jyotsana, 54, is a highly educated working professional. She is employed as a senior consultant with a multinational company (MNC). The couple built a quiet, respectable life in the national capital while raising their son.
- Son (Yaiphaba Chongtham): Yaiphaba is 20 years old and is currently pursuing his higher education as a law student. It was Yaiphaba who courageously rushed his severely injured father to the hospital on the night of the horrific attack.
A Musical Legacy: The Chongtham Family
Chongtham Vikram Singh was not just a prominent guitarist; he belonged to a family deeply rooted in Indian arts and cinema. Originating from Thangmeiband in Imphal West, Singh was a pioneer of the Manipuri rock scene in the 1980s, serving as the lead guitarist for influential bands like Phoenix, Ultra Vires, and Eastern Dark.
His musical genius was inherited from his mother, Chongtham Kamala, a legendary Manipuri classical and playback singer. Fondly referred to as the “Lata Mangeshkar of the Manipuri film industry,” she famously lent her voice to the first Manipuri feature film, Matamgi Manipur, in 1972.
The family’s artistic pedigree extends to modern cinema as well. Singh’s cousin, Lakshmipriya Devi, is an acclaimed filmmaker who recently directed Boong, the first Indian film to win a BAFTA Award.
As the legal proceedings begin, politicians, including former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, alongside civil rights groups, have demanded strict and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators who snatched away a beloved musician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Chongtham Vikram Singh?
Chongtham Vikram Singh was a 54-year-old renowned Manipuri guitarist and music teacher who was brutally beaten to death in Delhi after objecting to a public nuisance outside his home.
Who is Chongtham Vikram Singh’s wife?
His wife is Jyotsana (or Joshna), a 54-year-old senior consultant working at a multinational company in Delhi.
How many people have been arrested in the Manipuri singer murder case?
The Delhi Police have arrested seven adult men and apprehended one 15-year-old juvenile in connection with the murder. The accused reportedly worked at local dhabas and pizza kiosks.
Who is Chongtham Kamala?
Chongtham Kamala is the mother of the late Vikram Singh. She is a celebrated classical and playback singer, often called the “Lata Mangeshkar of Manipur,” known for her pioneering work in Manipuri cinema.
