The dead were identified as Adnan, 23, son of Abdul Sobhan of Sherpur, and Baset, son of Hares Ali of Borodeshi in Savar. Police sources claimed both were members of "Gangchil Bahini", a notorious criminal group of Amin Bazar.

The two were caught in the crossfire at Modhumoti Model Town around 4:00am yesterday when Rab-11, after having had their confessional statements, raided the area along with them to recover illegal firearms. As Rab personnel went there, accomplices of Adnan and Baset opened fire on the elite force. Rab members retaliated and a firefight ensued, sources said.

Adnan received four bullets in his body while Baset received six. Rab recovered a pistol and two bullets from the spot. The accomplices of Adnan and Baset managed to escape capture.

Both the dead were captured by Rab-4 a few days ago in Sherpur on suspicion of having links with the murder of two Rab officials at Amin Bazar on March 3. Adnan, who used to live at Kaundia in Savar, and Baset were allegedly hiding in Sherpur to avert arrest. They were accused in a number of criminal cases including murder cases at different police stations in the capital, police sources claimed.

The autopsies of the dead were conducted at Dhaka Medical College morgue yesterday.