Imphal, December 05 2008: THE STATE GOVERNMENT has handed over the murder case of 22-year old journalist Konsam Rishikanta to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation, official sources said today.

The notification for handing over the case to the CBI was issued by Principal Secretary (Home) P C Lawmkunga on December 1 last, sources said.

Rishikanta was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at high security Langol area where three entry points to the area was heavily guarded by commandos and other state forces.

The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) in a memorendum submitted to the Chief Minister O Ibobi earlier had expressed suspicion of involvement of security personnel in the killing of Rishikanta, a junior sub-editor with English daily Imphal Free Press.

The AMWJU had said that "Rishikanta was found dead at a high security area with members of state forces manning all the three entry points of Langol area" .

AMWJU sources said that six journalists including Rishikanta have been killed in past five years as their works or writings were not liked by some people who killed them.