‘Criminal’ killed in ‘gunfight’ with rivals

A suspected criminal was killed in a "gunfight" between two rival gangs in Bogura town early yesterday, police said.

The deceased, Kabir Hossain Minko, 38, was a resident of Chak Farid Colony, said, Aslam Ali, officer-in-charge of Detective Branch of Police.

Hearing gunshots, multiple police teams rushed to Maltinagar Bhatkandi Bridge area around 1:30am and found the victim lying on the ground with a bullet injury on his chest, said Sonaton Chakraborty, additional superintendent of police (Bogura Sadar Circle).  

He was taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead, said the additional SP.

Locals present at the hospital identified the deceased as Minko, who was accused in more than 15 cases, including murder, extortion, and arms cases, Sonaton said.

Police recovered two firearms, eight bullets and two sharp weapons from the spot.

Speaking to correspondents at the hospital morgue area yesterday, Minko's brother-in-law Zahirul Islam Khokon said, he left home on Monday afternoon after receiving a phone call from his friend Tofazzal Hossain, a businessman of the Betgari Banani area.

And since then, his mobile was found switched off, Zahirul said, adding that Tofazzal, when contacted, denied that Minko had met him.

Failing to find him, the family lodged a general diary with Sadar Police Station around 11:00pm on the day, said the family members.

Police, however, denied that any such general diary was filed.

The Daily Star could not independently verify either of the claims.