Bangalore Police book two students for murder of Manipur teen Richard Loitam

Bangalore, May 1 (ANI): Bangalore Police on Tuesday booked two students-Syed Afzal Ali and Vishal Banerjee-for the murder of Manipur boy Richard Loitam.

However, both students will not be arrested immediately as the police is waiting for the forensic report.

The police had earlier registered a case of death under suspicious circumstances. However, Richard's family has been alleging foul play since the first day.

Richard, a second semester student of the Acharya NRV School of Architecture in Bangalore North, was found dead on his hostel bed on April 18. On the night of April 17, he had reportedly quarrelled with his hostel mate Vishal Banerjee over watching an IPL match. Another student, Syed Afzal Ali, intervened and hit Loitam on the face and head. Following the altercation, Loitam returned to his room and was found dead the next day.

"We have gathered some information during the investigation. Richard and his friend Spoorti Ranjan had a two-wheeler accident. He was injured. Richard and his friend Vishal had a fight over the vehicle accident. They were watching an IPL match, when one more student joined and hit Richard. Some others came and pacified them," Bangalore (Rural) Superintendent of Police D Prakash said. (ANI)