‘Drug trader’ killed in Cox’s Bazar ‘gunfight’

A suspected drug trader was killed in a reported gunfight with law enforcers in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar early today.

Deceased Jalal Yusuf Bahadur, 32, was son of Khalil Ahmed of Chhoto Habir Para of Teknaf upazila.

He was accused in 12 cases filed for different crimes including murder and smuggling yaba tablets, our correspondent reports quoting police.

After arresting Jalal last night, police took him to Moulvipara around 4:00am to recover yaba, said Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Model Police Station.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, Jalal’s cohorts opened fire on them, the OC said.

In retaliation, police also fired that triggered the “gunfight”, OC Pradip added.

When the gunfight ended, Jalal’s cohorts fled the scene and he was found bullet-hit.

Police took him to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex where doctor pronounced him dead, OC Pradip said.

Five police officials – Sub-inspectors Shariful Islam and Faruk-uz-Zaman, and constables Rubel, Mohiuddin and Ibrahim -- were also injured in the gun battle and were given treatment at the hospital, police said.

The law enforcers recovered 30,000 yaba tablets, 10 local-made guns and 24 fresh cartridges from the spot.

The body was sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Two cases were filed with Teknaf Model Police Station in this connection.