Three people were killed and two others injured in two separate robbery incidents in two neighbouring upazilas of Faridpur early yesterday.

The deceased were identified as Sazzad Mridha, 37, son of Joher Mridha and Sentu Mridha, 33, son of Ayen Mridha of Abdul Gofur Mridher Dangi village under Charbhadrasan Union of Charbadrasan Upazila and Abdul Malak, 32, son of Sultan Kha of Soitankhali village under Dheukhali Union of Sadarpur Upazila.

The first incident happened in Abdul Gofur Mridher  Dangi village. A local resident said, 'A gang of robbers numbering 16-17 broke into the house of Samsul Fakir at around 2:00 in the morning. The pre-wedding celebrations of Fakir's son had been held at the house the evening before.'

The gang held the family hostage at gunpoint and looted valuables including 45 tolas of gold ornaments. When villagers were alerted to the situation they chased the robbers who had by then broken into another house for a robbery.

The villagers found a speed boat docked at the nearby river and damaged it to prevent the robbers from escaping. However, two robbers guarding the boat opened fire and shot four people. Sazzad died on the spot and Sentu succumbed to his injuries later at Faridpur Medical College Hospital. Two others were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition.

Faridpur Medical College Hospital's Ward Master Sazzad Hossain said, “Sazzad and Sentu sustained wounds on their chests and backs”.

Officer-in-Charge of Charbhadrasan Police Station Ramprasad Bhakta confirmed the incident. ,

In the other incident one Abdul Malek died after robbers opened fire on villagers of Soitankhali village under Dheukhali Union of Sadarpur Upazila.

Witnesses said, “A gang of 16-17 robbers stormed into the house of Rejaul Korim around 3:30 am on Thursday. The family raised a hue and cry and locals rushed to their help prompting the robbers to open fire on the villagers. Malek died instantly.

Office-in-charge of Sadarpur Police Station said the police are trying to arrest the robbers.