'Robber' killed in 'gunfight' with Rab

A suspected robber was killed allegedly in a “gunfight” with Rab members in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram early yesterday.

The dead, Abu Taleb, 35, was a resident of Chakaria upazila in Cox's Bazar.

Major Mehedi Hasan, Deputy Director of Rab-7 told The Daily Star the “gunfight” took place at Chhoto Chonua area of Banshkhali upazila at around 4:00am.

“Acting on a tip-off, a patrol team of Rab raided the area where the robbers were preparing to commit robbery in the sea-bound fishing trawlers,” Mehedi said.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire on them, forcing them to fire back, triggering a “gunfight”.

Later, the Rab members recovered Taleb's body and handed it over to Banshkhali Police Station.

They also recovered seven firearms and 22 rounds of bullets from the spot, the Rab official said.

Two members of the Rab team also sustained minor injuries during the drive, he added.

Contacted, Kamal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Banshkhali Police Station, said they had sent the body to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for an autopsy.

Filing a case in this connection was underway, he added.