'Kidnapper' killed in 'gunfight' with cops

An alleged kidnapper of a child was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Ashuganj upazila in the early hours yesterday.

Police arrested Solaiman, 22, on Monday on charge of kidnapping Rifat, 7, son of Bahar Mia of Khariala village of the upazila.

Rifat went missing on January 5 and his body was recovered 10 days later from the roof of a toilet of one Monir Hossain's house in the same village.

The police arrested Solaiman, son of Ansar Ali of Hetalbonia village of Kathalia upazila in Jhalakathi, in this connection the same day.

Following his statement given during primary interrogation, a team of law enforcers raided abandoned Ankhi Trading and Boiler House in Bahadurpur area to arrest prime suspect Mizan of the case, said Officer-in-Charge of Ashuganj police Badrul Alam Talukder.

Sensing the presence of police, Solaiman's accomplices opened fire on them, he added.  As the police returned fire, a gunfight ensued and a bullet fired by his cohorts hit Solaiman, he claimed.

He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, the OC said.

Four policemen were also injured in the gunfight and given treatment at the same hospital, the OC added.

The police recovered a pipe gun, two bullets and a machete from the spot.

Senior ASP of Sarail-Ashuganj circle Moniruzzaman Fakir said three alleged kidnappers including Solaiman were arrested who all confessed to kidnapping Rifat for ransom to manage wedding expenses of prime suspect Mizan.