'Are Northeast families safe in Delhi?' Rahul Gandhi asks after Manipuri musician's killing

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday questioned the safety of people from the Northeast in the national capital after Manipuri musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh was allegedly beaten to death in southeast Delhi. In a post on X, Gandhi said Singh had gone downstairs to ask some men to lower the noise outside his home when he was attacked. "A father, killed outside his own home, in his own country's capital. After many such incidents, every Northeast family in Delhi is asking the same question today - are we safe here?" Gandhi said. Chongtham Vikram Singh ji, a renowned musician from Manipur, went downstairs to ask some men to lower the noise outside his home. He was beaten to death for it. A father, killed outside his own home, in his own country's capital. After many such incidents, every Northeast family... — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 8, 2026 He also questioned what Union Home Minister Amit Shah's Home Ministry and Delhi Police were doing to stop what he called "growing lawlessness, especially against people from the Northeast". Gandhi sought a swift investigation and said the culprits must be brought to justice. Eight people, including a minor, have been apprehended in connection with Singh's killing, which has triggered outrage among the North-East community and sharp political reactions over their safety in the national capital. Delhi Police have arrested seven adults and apprehended a 15-year-old boy. A case has been registered under Sections 103(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Singh was allegedly assaulted near his residence in Kilokari Village in the Ashram area after objecting to shouting and commotion outside his home late on Sunday. According to police, delivery workers and staff associated with nearby eateries were allegedly creating a nuisance when Singh went downstairs to object. An altercation followed, and he was allegedly attacked with punches and blows. His family took him to Holy Family Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The killing has sparked concern among people from the Northeast living in Delhi, with community members demanding swift justice and greater protection. Community member Sangeeta Devi said the family was in shock and urged authorities to also consider the future of Singh's family. Another member, Narmada Devi, raised concerns about discrimination faced by people from the Northeast, saying they were sometimes treated differently because of their appearance. "We are Indians too," she said while demanding that those responsible for Singh's death be brought to justice. Eyewitness and neighbour Sandham Neroda Devi described Singh as a peaceful person and musician who did not get into unnecessary fights. Community members said repeated incidents had deepened concerns about the safety of Northeastern residents in the capital. Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi mourned Singh's death, saying, "Rest in peace. May you get justice. The entire northeast prays for your family." He also shared a friend's tribute describing Singh as a humble and peaceful person devoted to music. Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam said his office had coordinated with police, AIIMS, community volunteers and Singh's family after the incident. He called for exemplary punishment for those responsible and said life with dignity mattered irrespective of whether someone came from the Northeast or other parts of India. Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh urged Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation and deliver justice at the earliest, while Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam remembered Singh's contribution to the state's music and cultural life. AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the killing and questioned whether ordinary citizens were being adequately protected. Singh, a well-known guitarist and music teacher, had spent years associated with Manipur's music scene before continuing his work as a musician and teacher in Delhi.