Imphal, October 18: Who actually pulled the trigger of the gun that killed Ram Bahadur (23), a betel leaf trader by profession on October 11 at about 7.15 in the heart of the city and injured two others, Jagdish Prasad (60) and Mantu Mahato (20)? If readers will recall, Ram Bahadur was shot dead on October 11 night at Muskan Gully in Thangal bazar.

Muskan Gully is opposite to the popular eating place, Hind Jal Pan hotel.

People of Imphal know that the heart of the city, that is Thangal bazar, Paona bazar, BT road and its adjoining areas, such as MG Avenue, Khoyathong and Keishampat are heavily fortified with security personnel deployed round the clock.

The question is, how did the gunmen sneak into Thangal bazar, unchallenged and made good their escape after shooting one civilian to death and wounding two others? A well placed police source said that security deployment was as usual heavy on the day the betel leaf trader was shot dead.

According to the troops deployment roster on the said day, personnel of 1st IRB were on duty at Diamond Crossing, Thangal bazar; Masjid Road; Keishampat (Paona International Market); Governor road near Indra Colour and at BT road in front of Congress Bhawan.

A Quick Response Team under the OC of Imphal police was kept on stand by for any eventuality on the said day, said the source further.

The question now is how did the gunmen get in and got out after committing the crime ? As per reports received from the police, the gunmen numbering two came to Muskan Gully and first demanded a sum of Rs 300 from Jagdish Prasad and the other two including the deceased, Ram Bahadur.

The three flatly told the armed men that they do not have that much amount after which the gunmen left.

After a little while, the gunmen came back again and demanded that they hand over the day's sales proceeds.

The three again refused and as a crowd started building up to see what was going on, the gunmen whipped out a weapon and opened fire killing Ram Bahadur and injuring the two others.

When The Sangai Express contacted the DIG Range I, Anish Dayal, on the matter, the police officer said that he has already instructed the SP of Imphal West to start an inquiry into the matter and submit a report soon.

The IPS officer said that the report is expected soon and added that the report could not be finalised earlier due to the Konthoujam by election.

The inquiry will find out whether there were any security lapses on the said day, said the DIG adding that responsibilities will be fixed if any lapses are found.

Police sources further said that they have come across certain definite clues and added that investigation is proceeding smoothly.

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