‘Robber’ killed in Magura ‘gunfight’

The ringleader of an inter-district robber gang was killed in a “gunfight” between his cohorts and police on Magura-Jessore road in Magura Sadar upazila early today.

The deceased was identified as Rafiqul Islam alias Moazzem, 37, son of Atik Sardar of Deuli village in Satkhira district.

On information, a team of police conducted a drive in Mugirdal area of the upazila where 10-12 armed robbers were preparing to rob vehicles on the Magura-Jessore road by placing logs on the road around 2.00 am, said Munshi Asaduzzaman, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire to police, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate, triggering a gunfight, he said.

During the “gunfight”, Rafiqul was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot while the others managed to flee.

Four police constables also sustained bullet injuries during the incident, said the OC. They were admitted at Magura Sadar Hospital.

Police recovered a rifle, two rounds of bullet, five crude bombs and some sharp weapons from the spot.

Sudarshan Kumar Roy, assistant superintendent of Magura police, confirmed the incident.