‘Gunfight’ Between Gangs: ‘Drug peddler’ killed in Joypurhat

An alleged drug peddler was killed in a "gunfight" among two drug trading groups in Joypurhat Sadar upazila early yesterday.

The dead is Rubel Hossain Dalim, 35, son of Nabibar Uddin, of Khaspohonanda village in Joypurhat Sadar upazila.

He was accused in eight different cases including of drug peddling, abduction and murder, said police.

Shahriar Khan, officer-in-charge of Joypurhat Sadar Police Station, claimed that they rushed to Bhutipara-Kadamtoli bridge on information that a "gunfight" was taking place between two groups of drug peddlers.

The "gunfight" was initiated following a brawl of money distribution among the groups, he further said.

As soon as police reached the area, the drug peddlers fled the scene. While searching the spot, policemen found the bullet ridden body of Dalim.

It was then sent to Joypurhat Modern Hospital morgue for autopsy and handed over to the family members after finishing the procedure, he added.

Police also claimed to have recovered a pistol and different types of drugs from the spot.

Meanwhile, relatives of the dead alleged that a group of plainclothes men picked up Dalim in a microbus from a nearby bazar to his home on Tuesday night and placed him on "crossfire".

Contacted, Salam Kabir, superintendent of Joypurhat police, denied the allegation and said Dalim was a notorious criminal and got killed in a "gunfight" between two groups of drug peddlers.