Police yet to establish motive in Hornbill TV reporter shooting

DIMAPUR — Investigation into the shooting incident that resulted in injury to Hornbill TV reporter Dip Saikia on August 30 near Laii village in Senapati district, Manipur, is still underway.

The officer-in-charge of Tungjoy police station, Timothy Ronamai, informed Eastern Mirror that the accused is in still police custody.

However, he said it was too early to determine whether the act was intentional or accidental, adding that this would be clarified after a site inquiry. A case has been registered.

Meanwhile, speaking to Hornbill TV from his hospital bed at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) in Dimapur, Saikia recounted that he was struck by pellets in the leg and armpit while returning to his vehicle after covering the Zinnia Flower Festival.

Related: Hornbill TV reporter shot while covering event in Manipur

He first received treatment at Laii PHC, where it was confirmed that he had been hit by hydraulic air-gun pellets.

After Saikia’s admission at Laii PHC, his cameraman and a friend returned to the site of the incident. Near the landslide area, they found a vehicle whose occupants admitted to firing a hydraulic air gun, the network reported. 

The cameraman later recounted that Saikia was first struck in the leg and, as he bent to check his injury, was hit again under the armpit. He added that three individuals—a woman and two men—were present at the spot.

Also read: Laii shooting incident: Press clubs raise concern over journalist safety

Meanwhile, the Laii (Vafiimai) village authority council issued a statement in connection with the incident. It clarified that the accused, Raiveinii Ramai, is a native of Phuba Khuman and a resident of Council at Senapati, who was visiting as a tourist during the festival.

It expressed concern that some media reports had wrongly associated the act with Laii village, which, it said, has always been “peace-loving and hospitable.” It also stated that possession of air guns and hunting are strictly prohibited under local regulations.

According to the village council, Ramai admitted to firing the weapon in an attempt to shoot a bird, claiming he was unaware of Saikia’s presence.

The council condemned the incident but went on to object what it termed as “misleading” media portrayals that tarnished the village’s reputation.

Reiterating its solidarity with the victim, the council conveyed apologies to visitors for the distress caused, assured full cooperation with the investigation, and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety at community events.