Violence has become fashion: Rahul Gandhi on Manipuri music teacher's death

Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday condemned the killing of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in Delhi, saying the incident reflected a growing culture of violence, hatred and arrogance where people in positions of power feel they can act with impunity.

Speaking at a tribute event for the musician, Gandhi said Vikram's killing was a tragedy not only for his family but also for Manipur, which has been dealing with violence and unrest for years. He said the incident should not be seen in isolation and that violence against people and communities was becoming increasingly common.

“It’s a tragedy that a young man has been murdered. It’s also a tragedy that he was attacked because of where he was from,” Gandhi said.

He said the circumstances surrounding the incident were less important than the violence involved, arguing that people should not respond to such acts with more anger or hatred.

“Whether he was killed or was not killed, there was violence in this act. There was violence, there was hatred, and there was arrogance. And it is something that has become a fashion these days, that if you are powerful, you can be violent,” he added.

He also urged people to stand up against violence by expressing themselves and refusing to accept it.

Gandhi also described Vikram as a “symbol of love and affection” and said his death was not the only instance of people facing insults or violence because of their identity.

Gandhi's comments came days after the 54-year-old Chongtham Vikram Singh was beaten by a group of men outside his home in Kilokari near Ashram in southeast Delhi late on Sunday night. According to police, Singh had objected to noise and commotion outside his residence.

The group followed him back to the building and assaulted him with punches and kicks. His son, Yaiphaba, came out after hearing the commotion, and the attackers fled. Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police have arrested seven men and detained a juvenile in connection with the case. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, witness accounts and the circumstances surrounding the assault. Police are also looking into a possible racial angle, though no evidence of racial slurs had been established at the time of the latest investigation update.

Singh was a well-known figure in Manipur's Western music scene and had lived in Delhi for more than two decades. He has performed with bands including Phoenix and later worked as a music teacher and performer. His death has triggered anger and concern among members of the Northeast community in Delhi, with demands for a swift and impartial investigation.