Imphal, December 02 2008: The Special Investigation Team, set up by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union to probe the circumstances leading to the killing of K Rishikanta has been submitted to the Union yesterday.

Since the preliminary report was not final and pending further investigation, the full report of the preliminary findings was not tabled before the GBM held yesterday.

Instead a gist of the report was tabled at the GBM.

A summary report of the preliminary findings tabled during the GBM yesterday said that though no concrete evidences have been found, there are indications that point to the possible involvement of Government agencies in the case.

There are certain areas where more indepth investigation is needed, said the summary report adding that if this bears fruit then the true picture will emerge.

There is nothing to suggest that Rishikanta's death has anything to do with any love triangle or any connection with underground activities.

In the morning of November 17 Rishikanta left home saying that he had to receive some money from CT Offset where he worked earlier.

A minute study of his trail has revealed that he went upto Pishumthong from Chingamakhong.

At Pishumthong he told a friend that he was going to Waheng Leikai.

However it is not clear whether he really went to Waheng Leikai or not.

It is likely that Rishikanta was picked up by the assailants from either Pishumthong or after he had left the place and was enroute to another place.

The spot where his body was found is frequently used by police commandos to eliminate anyone after bringing them there.

There is strong suspicion that Rishikanta may have been done to death to silence him.

It may also have been a case of mistaken identity and tortured and not wishing to let any stink arise after it came to be known that he was a journalist, he may have been killed.

The SIT recorded the statements of 24 persons.

Some of the statements have been recorded on video and audio.

A number of items which can be used as evidences have also been collected.

With the AMWJU accepting the summary account of the preliminary findings, it was decided to dissolve the SIT with immediate effect.

The Standing Committee has been asked to work out the details for further investigation.