‘Robber’ killed in ‘gunfight’ with Barisal cops

An alleged robber was killed in a “gunfight” with police in Muladi upazila of Barisal early today.

The victim was identified as Salim Howlader, 40, son of Habibir Rahaman of Sabipur village in the upazila, reports our Barisal correspondent quoting Motiur Rahaman, officer-in-charge of Muladi Police Station.

The OC said Rapid Action Battalion-8, acting on a tip-off, detained him from Dhaka on May 31 and sent him Muladi Police.

When the Rab team was going to recovering hidden firearms with Salim, the elite force members came under the attack of armed miscreants in Baliatali area near Amanatgonj Bazar around 4:15am, the police official said.   

Salim’s associates opened fire on the team forcing the Rab men to fire back that triggered a “gunfight”, the OC said.

As the robbers managed to flee the scene, police found the body of Salim, he added.

Three police men – Sub-inspectors Kamol and Faruq and Constable Parvez -- were also injured during the gun battle. They are admitted to Muladi Upazila Health Complex.

Police recovered two pipe guns, six bullets and two sharp weapons from the spot, the OC said.