Rape accused killed in Jessore 'gunfight'

A key accused in case filed for raping an eight-year-old girl was killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion in Jessore sadar upazila early today.

The case was filed after the deceased, Al Amin alias Babu, 25, allegedly raped the baby girl in Sadar upazila on March 31, Khondoker Rafiqul Islam, commanding officer of Rab-6, told The Daily Star.

On information that a group of armed criminals were staying in Kholadanga area of Jessore, a team of Rab 6 raided the spot.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire forcing the Rab members to retaliate.

After the reported gunfight, the bullet-hit body of an unidentified man was found there, the Rab official added. He was taken to Jessore Sadar Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

Later, police identified the body as that of Al Amin, the key accused in the rape case, he added.

Rab also recovered some bullets, a pistol and a sharp weapon from the spot.

Two Rab members were slightly injured during the "gunfight".