‘Robber’ killed in Patuakhali ‘gunfight’

A listed robber was killed in a ‘gunfight’ with police in Sadar upazila of Patuakhali early today.

Deceased Chan Mia Hawlader, 36, was accused in 30 robbery cases filed with different police stations in Patuakhali and Barguna, police said.

Chan Mia was the son of Amjad Hawlader of Poshim Kalagachia village in Barguna’s Amtali upazila, our Patuakhali correspondent reports quoting police.

Two sub inspectors of Sadar Police Station -- Mahedee and Mamun -- were injured in the “gun battle” and took primary treatment, said Patuakhali Police Station's officer-in-charge Mostafizur Rahman, who was also injured in the gunfight. 

On information that a gang of robbers was taking preparation to commit robbery in Karomjatala area around 2:00am, a team from police rushed to the spot to arrest them.

Sensing presence of policemen, the criminals opened fire, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, he added.

During the “gunfight”, Chan Mia was hit by a bullet and died on the spot, the OC claimed.

His body was sent to Patuakhali general Hospital morgue for autopsy, he said.

Police recovered a homemade pipe gun and five sharp weapons from the spot, OC said adding that two cases were filed in this connection.