Imphal, December 06: Imphal West commandos shot dead a suspected underground activist along the road of RIMS Doctors' colony at Lamphel just opposite to RIMS morgue at around 1.45 pm today.

According to a statement issued by SP of Imphal West District Clay Khongsai, acting on a credible information about some suspected PREPAK activists exhorting money from offices located in Lamphel area, commandos of Imphal West District conducted search operation at the said area at around 1.45 pm today.

During the search at Minor Irrigation office, about 4/5 youths were seen moving suspiciously from the office area towards the RIMS morgue road leading to Lamphel quarter areas.

On being told to stop, the youths fled and got into a parked Maruti Alto and tried to speed off.

However, one of who was little behind suddenly turned and tried to hurl a hand grenade towards the commandos.

The commandos retaliated and shot him dead.

However, the other youths managed to get away in the car.

One hand grenade (HE-36) and a Nokia mobile handset bearing no.9856764959 were recovered from the possession of the slain youth.

The SP further informed that on examination of the mobile phone, it was found containing SMS from a number 9856664184 dated 5/12/07 at 9.19 pm.

The SMS content reportedly instructed the possessor to attack Shanti Hospital at Sanakeithel, Hyundai Motors Showroom at Thangmeiband, ABC Godown at Khoyathong Road and at the residence of M Rajen Singh of Porompat who is the proprietor of Raj Policlinic, North AOC.

Meanwhile, the body has been picked up and deposited the same at the mortuary of RIMS for identification.

The slain youth appears to be around 25 years of age, lean body and dark complexioned.

The youth has long hair and pierced earlobes and was clad in full sleeve of black, red and white strips, black jacket with orange coloured strips on the sleeve, faded cargo pant and a pair of sandals.

There were bullet marks all over his body including behind the ear, thighs and below the left knee.