Murder suspect killed in Ctg 'gunfight'

A murder suspect was killed in a “gunfight” with police in Chattogram city's Bakalia area yesterday.

The dead -- Saiful, 30 -- was the prime accused in local Juba League activist Lokman Rahman Rony murder case, said police.

Pranab Chowhdhury, officer-in-charge of Bakalia Police Station, said they arrested Saiful along with Zia, 25, another accused in the case, in Jafarnagar area of the district's Fatikchhari upazila early yesterday.

During primary interrogation Saiful informed police of the whereabouts of the murder weapon. Following the information, police conducted a raid in Bakalia area, with Saiful, to recover the murder weapon, he claimed.

Sensing police presence, Saiful's cohorts opened fire, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, he added.

The “gunfight” left Saiful dead on the spot, he claimed, adding that the body was sent to Chattogram Medical College morgue for autopsy.

Police also claimed to have recovered a light gun (LG) and two bullets.

Two police officials – Sub-inspector Karimuzzaman and Assistant Sub-inspector Alamgir -- were also injured during the “gunfight”, he said, adding the duo received primary treatement at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

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