A suspected drug peddler was killed in what Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) claimed to be a gunfight in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj early today.

The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately, our local correspondent reports quoting Abul Khayer, additional superintendent of police and an official of Rab-5 Chapainawabganj camp.

Tipped-off, a team of Rab-5 from Chapainawabganj camp started an anti-drug drive in Tantipara Ghat area in the upazila around 2:00am, he said.

Sensing presence of Rab personnel, the criminals opened fire at them that prompted a ‘gunfight’, the Rab official also said.

After the gunfight ended, a suspect was found with bullet injuries. He was taken to Chapainawabganj Sadar Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead, Abul Khayer further said.

Two pistols, two magazines, five rounds of bullets and six and half kilogrammes of hemp were recovered from the spot.