'Robber' killed in 'gunfight'

A suspected robber was killed in what police claimed was a shootout between the law enforcers and a gang of robbers in Baliakandi upazila of Rajbari early yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Badu Sheikh, 40, of Gobinadapur village of Rajbari Sadar upazila.

Hasina Begum, officer-in-charge of Baliakandi Police Station, said, “Acting on a tip-off, a police team went to Alankarpur village where a gang of robbers was holding a meeting. Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the gang opened fire and the policemen retaliated, triggering the gunfight.”

Badu's body was recovered from the spot after his cohorts fled. He was rushed to Baliakandi Upazila Health Complex where an on-duty doctor declared him dead around 3:00am, she said.

The law enforcers also claimed to have recovered two guns, cartridges, five bullets and a knife from the spot.

Badu was a leader of the gang and was an accused in seven cases, including four for robbery, filed with different police stations, she said, adding that three policemen also sustained minor injuries in the incident.