Manipur BJP ex-servicemen cell general secretary (Convenor) Laishram Rameshwor Singh was allegedly shot dead by unknown assailants at the gate of his residence at Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, Thoubal district around 11 am on Monday, following which two persons, including the main accused have been arrested.

The main accused, Ayekpam Keshorjit, 46, son of (L) A Kunjo from Haobam Marak Irom Leikai Imphal West from Commando complex, Imphal West surrendered himself before OC Commando Imphal West inspector P Achouba Meitei, as per sources.

A licensed gun, a .32 pistol, two magazines and nine .32 bullets were seized from his possession. One mobile handset Samsung A70 belonging to the accused was also seized, sources said.

Police reported that the other accused has been identified as one Naorem Ricky Pointing Singh alias Amu, 24, son of N Kesho from Keinou Thongkha Maning Leikai, Bishnupur district presently staying at Haobam Marak Irom Leikai, Imphal West.

Superintendent of police, Thoubal district, Jogeshchandra Haobijam told the media at his office on Tuesday that the assailants came in a car (white coloured XUV 300) and allegedly shot the state BJP convenor in front of his residence around 11 am.

Rameshwor, 55, son of L Nimai sustained a bullet injury on his chest. He succumbed to his injury at Raj Medicity, Imphal.

On receiving the information, a team of district commando launched a search operation, following which the mentioned vehicle and its driver were seized from Haobam Marak Irom Leikai in Imphal West, said SP Jogeschandra.

The SP further said that on verification,  the driver identified himself as Ricky Pointing and from his disclosure identified the main accused as Ayekpam Keshorjit, 44, son of late A Kunjo from Haobam Marak Irom Leikai, Imphal West.

During a spot investigation at the place where the crime took place, an empty case of 0.32 bullet was recovered.

The mortal remains of Rameshwor have been deposited to JINMS Morgue for Post Mortem and other legal formalities.

Thoubal Police registered a case in connection with the incident and announced that the suspects will be arrested.

According to eyewitness accounts, Rameshwor was seen coming out of his residence to have a conversation with the two persons who came in the said vehicle. After a while, one of the two persons pulled out a gun and shot him before fleeing from the spot.

As per sources, Rameshwor is a retired Indian Army servicemen and he had been working as a member of the RSS as well as as acting general secretary (convenor) of Ex-Servicemen, BJP Manipur Pradesh.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh extended his condolences on his facebook page, stating “Deeply pained by the sudden demise of Ex-Servicemen, Shri NK L Rameshwar who was killed by armed assailants at his residence in Thoubal today. I condemn such killings in the strongest terms, and those who committed the barbaric and cowardly act will not be spared. Shri NK L Rameshwar was a Founding member of AFESAM and also Convenor of the Ex-Servicemen Cell of the State BJP Unit. May his soul rest in eternal peace. I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and share their loss and pain.”

State BJP also expressed condolence on the death of convenor of ex-servicemen cell, BJP Manipur Pradesh Rameshwor on its facebook page.