‘Drug peddler’ killed in Mymensingh ‘gunfight’

An alleged drug peddler was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Sadar upazila of Mymensingh early today.

The deceased was identified as Sajal Mia, 24, son of Arzu Mia of Kristapur area in Mymensingh city, our correspondent reports quoting police.

Acting on a tip-off that some drug peddlers were engaged in drug trading at Nizamnagor area in the upazila, a team of detectives led by sub-inspector Md Akram Hossain, raided the area to arrest the gang members, said Shah Kamal Akanda, officer-in-charge of Detective Branch (DB) of Police in Mymensingh.

Sensing police presence, the gang opened fire at police, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate triggering a “gunfight” around 1:30am, the police official said.

At one stage, the other gang members left the place leaving bullet-hit Sajal on the spot, he said.

He was rushed to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) where doctors declared him dead around 2:30am, he said.

The body has been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy, he added.

Police also recovered three knives and 100 grammes of heroin from the spot, he further said.

Two DB policemen -- Assistant Sub-Inspector Md Anwar Hossain and Constable Md Shafiqul Islam were injured during the incident and they were given treatment at Mymensingh Police Lines Hospital, said the OC.

Sajal, also an alleged member of a snatching gang, was accused in six cases including four for drug peddling lodged with Kotwali Police Station, he informed.

A case has been filed in connection with his death in the gunfight, he added.