2 killed in ‘gunfight’ with police

Two men, including an alleged robber, were killed in a "gunfight" with police in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar early yesterday.

Of the duo, Saddam Hossain, 22, of Moulvi Bazar in Teknaf's Hnila union was a fugitive accused in 17 cases, and Abdul Jalil, 32, was a resident of Pashchim Maheshkhalia para in Howaikong union, said police.

Three policemen -- sub-inspector Moshiur Rahman, in-charge of Howaikong police, and constables Abhijit Das and Imran Hossain -- also suffered bullet wounds during the reported "gunfight" that took place in Howaikong area around 3:00am, police said.

A team of the police outpost conducted a raid in Moulvi Bazar area on Monday night and arrested Saddam, said Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Model Police Station.

During interrogation, Saddam admitted that he dealt with yaba, firearms and ammunition and also revealed the names of some of his cohorts, the OC said.

Later, a police team took Saddam at the banks of Combo Borchhora cannel where his cohorts opened fire at the law enforcers, leaving the three policemen injured. Police also fired in self-defence, triggering the "gunfight", the police official said.

After the criminals left the place, police found two persons, including Saddam, with bullet wounds and sent them to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex. They were later referred to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.

The duo were declared dead after being taken to Sadar Hospital around 6:00am, the OC said.

Two LGs, 13 cartridges, 10,000 yaba tablets and Tk 1.05 lakh cash were recovered from the spot, he said, adding that a case was filed in this regard.

Saddam's father Sultan Ahmed was also killed in a "gunfight" with law enforcers two years back, police said.