‘Robber’ killed in ‘gunfight’ with cops

A suspected robber was killed in a “gunfight” while in police custody in Senbagh upazila of Noakhali early yesterday.

The dead is Anwar Hossain Yousuf, 44, of Purba Lautoli village in Begumganj upazila of the same district.

He was the ringleader of a notorious robbery gang and had at least 12 cases filed against him, seven of which were related to robbery, police said.

Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Senbagh Police Station said Anwar was arrested in Jamidarhat area of Begumganj around 9:30am on Monday.

On information, a police team, along with Anwar, conducted raid in Bircoat area to prevent a robbery. As soon as the law enforcers reached there, Anwar’s cohorts opened fire, forcing them to retaliate, he claimed.

At one point of the “gunfight”, Anwar sustained bullet injuries. He was then rushed to Naokahli General Hospital where doctors declared him dead, he added.

The body was sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Three policemen -- Sub-inspector Jasim Uddin, Assistant Sub-inspector Lokesh Mahajon and Constable Abdur Rahman -- also sustained injuries during the gunfight, the OC said.

Police claimed to have recovered a pistol, three bullets and three sharp weapons from the spot.

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