A suspected drug peddler was killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Barishal city early today.

Deceased Malek Fakir, 35, son of Entaj Fakir of KDC area in the city, was wanted in several drug cases.

Tipped off, a team of Rab conducted a drive at Harinafulia in the morning, said Nurul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station.

As soon as the elite force reached the area, the “criminals” opened fire, triggering a skirmish, the police official said.

Malek was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot while others managed to flee, he added.