2 killed in 'shootouts'

Two criminals were killed in "shootouts" with law enforcers in the capital and Noakhali early yesterday.

They are Kala Badsha, 45, of Nijhum Dwip in Hatiya upazila, Noakhali, and Jinnah Chowdhury alias Ratul, 30, one of the listed criminals of the capital's Mirpur area.

Acting on a tip-off, a Rab team cordoned off a place at Dholaikhal around 3:45am where members of a gang gathered. Sensing their presence, the criminals opened fire on the Rab personnel. The members of Rab-10 fired back causing Ratul's death on the spot.

His accomplices, however, managed to flee the scene.

The body was sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Rab personnel recovered a pistol and four bullets from the spot.

In Noakhali, Kala Badsha, leader of the pirate gang "Badsha Bahini", was shot dead at Carring Char in Hatiya upazila, reports UNB.

Police apprehended Kala Badsha from Hathazari upazila of Chittagong Thursday morning.

On information, police went to the char along with Badsha in a bid to arrest his cohorts and recover hidden arms Thursday night. Badsha came in the line of fire when his accomplices opened fire on police and died on the spot.

Police said Badsha was accused in several cases of murders, extortions and rape.

Locals said Badsha with his gang members committed piracy on Meghna and coastal waterways.