Man killed in ‘gunfight’

A man was killed in a “gunfight” with police in Patuakhali Sadar upazila early yesterday.

The dead -- Chan Mia Hawlader, 36, of Barguna’s Amtali upazila -- was accused in at least 30 cases related to robbery and other criminal offences, said police.

Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Patuakhali Police Station, said Chan was awarded with 10 years’ imprisonment in a robbery case but managed to stay in hiding.

The OC claimed they conducted a raid in Karomjatala area of the upazila around 2:00am on information that a group of criminals gathered there for robbery.

Sensing the police presence, the criminals opened fire, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, he further claimed.

At one point, Chan sustained bullet injuries and died on the spot. Later, his body was handed over to family members after conducting an autopsy at Patuakhali General Hospital morgue, he added.

Three cops were also injured during the “gunfight” and received treatment at the hospital, he further added.

Police also claimed to have recovered a home-made pipe gun and five sharp weapons from the spot.

Two cases were filed in connection with the “gunfight”.

The Daily Star, however, could not independently verify the police claims.