'Robber' killed in 'gunfight' with Rab

An alleged robber leader was killed in a “gunfight” with the Rapid Action Battalion in Kaundia area of Savar early yesterday. 

The dead is Anwar Hossain Anar, 40, of Kaundia. He was the ringleader of the robber gang named “Gangchil Bahini”, said Rab sources.

Members of Rab-3 raided the house of late Liakot Mia in Kaundia Melartek area around 4:45am, acting on a tip-off that some robbers were staying there, Lt Col Khandker Golam Sarwar, commanding officer of Rab-3, told The Daily Star.

Sensing presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire. The Rab members then retaliated, triggering the "gunfight", the Rab official said.

After the gun battle, the Rab members found Anar injured. But others managed to flee the scene, said Sarwar, adding that Anar was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Rab also claimed to have recovered three pistols and 14 bullets from the spot.

Anar stood accused in seven cases, including four for murder, with Savar Police Station, police said.  

Minu Begum, wife of late Liakot, alleged that Rab members had picked up their son Tutul Hossain, 29, during the drive.

However, Sarwar denied the allegation, saying that Rab did not pick up anyone from the spot.  

He said Tutul is a member of "Gangchil Bahini", and Rab did not know the whereabouts of Tutul.