‘Robber’ killed in Meherpur ‘gunfight’

An alleged robber was killed in “gunfight” with police in Meherpur Sadar upazila early today.

Deceased Feratul Islam alias Ferat, 38, was accused in 13 cases including murder, robbery and abduction, our Kushtia correspondent reports quoting Iqbal Bahar Choudhury, officer-in-charge (OC) of Meherpur Sadar Police Station.

Tipped off that a group of miscreants led by Ferat was holding a clandestine meeting at Nurpur village in the upazila, a police team of Sadar Police Station conducted a raid there around 3:30am, the OC said.

Sensing police presence, the criminals opened fire targeting police, forcing the lawmen to retaliate with gunfire – prompting a gunfight, he said.

After half an hour long gunfight, the body of Ferat was found lying at the spot. However, his cohorts managed to flee the scene, the OC also said.

Five police personnel including a sub-inspector were also injured in the incident, he said.

A locally made rifle, five bullets, five crude bombs, a machete were recovered from the spot.