Imphal, November 01 2009: A joint team of Imphal west police commando and 39 Assam Rifles reportedly arrested a youth, whom the police claim is a hired killer assigned to gun down Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Bishnupur district.

Speaking to media persons at the Commando Complex near Minuthong today, Additional SP of Imphal West district AK Jhalajit said the combined team based on specific information waylaid two persons riding a black colour Honda Activa at Pishum Thong on October 31 at around 6.30 pm.

While one Laishram Birjit Singh (22) s/o L tomba of Khongjom Bazar Maning Leikai in Thoubal district was apprehended his other accomplice namely Bicky Singh alias Jit of Sagolband managed to escape, the ASP said.

Jhalajit disclosed that Birjit was hired by the KCP (City Meitei) group to kill the CDPO identified as N Modhubala Devi of Singjamei Thongam Leikai with an agreement that the armed outfit would provide him (Birjit) either Rs 20,000 or a computer set on execution of the task.

To carry out the task, Birjit reportedly arrived at Imphal Airport on a Jet-lite flight from Delhi via Guwahati on October 27 and was contacted by one Thangjam Bijeta Devi of Narankonjil Mayai Leikai.

Bijeta is said to have been instructed to meet Birjit at the behest of KCP City Meitei activist namely Miss Abe alias Romila of Wabagai Tera Pishak.

Abe, according to the police officer was also a former cadre of the PREPAK organisation.

Naming one Miss Ibeyaima Devi of Kwakeithel as another individual involved in scheming the murder plot and who arranged Birjit's stay at the residence of Thangjam Bimola Devi alias Ema of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai, Jhalajit further identified one Miss Rita Devi as an arranger in arming Birjit with a 9 mm mauser pistol on October 298 at around 10.30 am to shoot the CDPO.

Informing that Bicky was roped in to identify the CDPO's house, the ASP also informed that Th Bimola and Th Bijeta have been taken into custody in connection with the case.

apart from the pistol, one magazine along with six live rounds have been recovered from Birjit.