Imphal again: ex-CM’s nephew shot dead by police

Tension prevailed in Imphal today after the nephew of former Manipur chief minister R K Joychandra Singh was gunned down by policemen, who claimed they mistook him for a militant.

R K Sanatomba Singh was shot dead after his motorcycle rammed into a police vehicle at the Waheng Leikai area in West Imphal district. Sources said Sanatomba picked up an argument with the policemen after the accident and was shot.

‘‘We can confirm the ex-CM’s nephew was shot after he assaulted policemen,’’ said a top police officer from Imphal.

Angered by the killing, local residents have called for an immediate bandh. Protesters also blocked the Imphal-Silchar highway, which passes through the area.

Senior police officials have rushed to the spot.