3 traffickers killed in ‘gunfight’

Three alleged human traffickers were killed in a ‘gunfight’ with police in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar early today.

Four policemen including Ataur Rahman Khandakar, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station were also injured during the gunfight that took place around 3:30am, reports our correspondent.

The deceased were identified as Dolu, 55, Jahangir Alam, 30, and Jafar Alam, 25. All were listed human traffickers and active members of an organised trafficking gang, the OC added.

Acting on a tip-off, police launched a drive in Hatchery Beach area of Teknaf when a group of human traffickers were attempting to traffic some people to Malaysia through the channel, OC Ataur Rahman Khandakar told The Daily Star.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the human traffickers started firing at the police forces compelling them to retaliate leaving three traffickers dead on spot, the OC said.

Police recovered the bodies and they are underway to the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy.  

Three locally made LGs and 10 rounds of cartridges were also recovered from the spot.

The injured police were given primary medical aid at Teknaf Upazila Health Complex.