‘Criminal’ killed in Noakhali ‘gunfight’

An alleged criminal was killed in a reported “gunfight” with police in Noakhali early today.

The deceased Ratan Mia, 35, son of Rahamatullah of Mahatabpur village under Sonaimuri upazila was accused in 13 cases over murder, drug dealing and robbery with different police stations, our Noakhali correspondent reports quoting police.

Three police men were injured during the gunfight which took place at Podipara area under Amishapara union of the same upazila around 3:00am, said Abdus Salam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sonaimuri Police Station.

Following his confession, Ratan, arrested yesterday evening, was taken to Podipara village to recover arm and drugs by a police team, said the OC.

When the team along with Ratan reached near a canal, his cohorts started firing to the police team forcing the law enforcers to retaliate with gunshot, the police official said.

Ratan received bullet wound during the gunfight and was taken to Noakhali General Hospital after his cohorts retreated the spot, he added.

He succumbed to his injuries around 3:30am at the hospital OC Abdus Samad said 

A locally made gun, four-round ammunition and 31 pieces of yaba tablets were recovered from the spot, he said.