PBCP man killed in 'gunfight' with cops

A suspected leader of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party's Lal Pataka faction was killed in a “gunfight” with detectives at Rajbari Sadar upazila in the early hours of yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali Sheikh, 35, son of Ohab Ali Sheikh of Dowialganj area in the upazila.

Ali was a regional commander of Lal Pataka, said Swapan Kumar Majumder of Sadar police.

Acting on a tip off, a team raided Kuthipakurai Bazar area where outlaws were holding a secret meeting around 1:45am, said Kamal Hossain Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge of Detective Branch of Rajbari police.

Sensing the presence of law enforces, the outlaws opened fire on them, prompting the detectives to retaliate. As the criminals retreated, Ali, who was wanted in four cases, was found unconscious at the scene.

He was declared dead at Rajbari General Hospital around 2:30am.

The police recovered two firearms and five cartridges from the spot. Two policemen also sustained minor injuries, the OC added.