Suspected drug peddler killed in 'gunfight

An alleged drug peddler was killed in a “gunfight” with Rab in Rangpur city early yesterday.

The victim is Shawkat Ali alias Ghugu, 33, of Dewdoba in the city. He stood accused in 13 robbery and narcotics cases, police said.

Shawkat along with four to six other associates was selling drugs in Radhakrishnapur area. On information, a team of Rab-13 of Rangpur raided the area around 3:00am, said Moktarul Alam, officer-in-charge (acting) of Rangpur Sadar Police Station.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the drug peddlers opened fire. The Rab members retaliated, triggering the “gunfight”.

During the “gun battle”, Shawkat was hit by bullets and died on the spot. Others managed to flee, the police official said.

The Rab claimed to have recovered a pistol, two bullets, sharp weapons and several bottles of Phensedyl from the spot. 

Police recovered the body and sent it to Rangpur Medical College morgue for an autopsy, the OC added.