IMPHAL, Oct 11: A rifleman of 1stManipur Rifles shot himself dead this evening at around 7: 12.
He has been identified as Nongmaithem Shantajit Singh, son of N Ibohal Singh, Lamboi-khongnangkhong Imphal and posted as an escort to the Hiyanglam by-poll MSCP candidate Thokchom Laiba Singh of Lamjao Makha Leikai.
Sources said Shantajit shot himself with his service INSAS rifled.
The bullet penetrated through his neck and went passed the upper part of his head, sources continued.
It is also learnt that the rifleman was alone in the kitchen of the MSCP candidate`™s elder brother identified as T Ibohal when the incident took place.
A case has been registered with the Waikhong Police station, under Thoubal District.
The lifeless body of the rifleman has already been shifted, to be deposited at JNIMS for post mortem, added the source.