Chargesheet in 8-9 days: Rijiju

ITANAGAR, 8 Sep: The North East India Citizens Forum, Delhi (NEICFD) expressed shock and anguish over the brutal killing of renowned Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in Delhi and demanded that the Delhi Police conduct a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the incident.

Singh (55) was allegedly assaulted by a group of people outside his residence in south Delhi on the night of 6 September and succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The forum stated that, as per reports, the incident followed an altercation after Singh reportedly objected to loud noise and disturbance outside his residence.

The NEICFD urged the police to ensure that every person responsible is identified and prosecuted strictly in accordance with the law.

It further stated that all CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts and other evidence must be examined, and the complete motive and circumstances of the attack must be established, including any possibility of prejudice or discrimination.

The NEICFD also appealed to the union home minister to take cognisance of the killing and ensure that the Delhi Police conducts the investigation with utmost seriousness, transparency and urgency.

"No disagreement, argument or provocation can ever justify such brutal violence or the taking of a human life," the NEICFD said in a press statement.

Additionally, the forum urged the government to take concrete measures to strengthen the safety and security of people from the Northeast in the national capital.

"Delhi is the capital of every Indian. Every citizen, regardless of region, ethnicity, language or culture, has the right to live with safety, dignity and without fear," it stated.

The forum expressed disappointment over the inadequate coverage given by sections of the mainstream media to such a grave incident involving a citizen from the Northeast. It said the brutal killing of a respected musician and cultural figure in the national capital deserves serious public attention.

"Violence against people from the Northeast must not be treated as a lesser news story or allowed to disappear from public discourse," the forum said, and reminded that the media has a responsibility to provide fair, responsible and proportionate coverage to such incidents.

The forum extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, students and admirers of Singh and said it stands firmly with the people of Manipur in this hour of profound grief.

Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Delhi Police has assured him that a chargesheet will be filed within eight to nine days in the killing of Manipuri musician C Vikram Singh in south Delhi.

He called for "strictest punishment possible" for those involved.

Rijiju said he spoke to senior Delhi Police officers, including those handling issues concerning people from the Northeast, and is personally monitoring the investigation.

"Police have assured me that the chargesheet will be filed within eight-nine days," he told reporters, adding that investigators would "not leave any stone unturned" in building a strong case against the accused.

Singh, a 54-year-old musician from Manipur who had been living in Kilokari village for several years, died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff in the early hours of Monday when he objected to them shouting and drinking outside his apartment.

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

Rijiju said the eight accused hail from different states, including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

Calling Singh's death "very unfortunate," the minister said the police acted swiftly after the incident and tracked down the accused after they fled.

"The strictest possible, severe punishment must be given," he said.

Rijiju said police officials are in touch with Singh's family and arrangements have been made to fly his body to Imphal on Wednesday.

Responding to a question about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raising concerns over the safety of people from the Northeast, Rijiju said the incident should not be politicised.

"Look, this is not the time for politics. I have been saying this repeatedly. Where does the BJP come into this? When such an incident takes place, and someone dies in such a tragedy, we should talk about taking immediate action. This is not a matter for politics," Rijiju said.

"The entire people from the Northeast are upset because he belongs to Manipur. But after all, he is an Indian. We all have to be concerned. Why only Northeast? Every Indian must be concerned. Every life is precious," the minister said.

He said a special unit of Delhi Police dealing with issues concerning people from the Northeast is coordinating in the case and claimed mechanisms are in place to ensure quick police response whenever such incidents occur.

According to the police, the Sunlight Colony police station received a PCR call regarding the assault on Singh. A preliminary enquiry found that Singh, who belonged to the Meitei community, had objected to a group of men allegedly creating a nuisance outside his house.

He suffered injuries after the men allegedly rained blows and punches on him. His son Yaiphaba rushed him to Holy Family Hospital, where he later died.

The accused have been identified as Bharat Kumar (19), Pramod (26), Ramzan Khan (22), Deepanshu (21), Mohan Vishwakarma (32), Vijay (36), Mannu (26), and a juvenile. Police said they worked at different dhabas and food stalls. (With PTI input)