‘Drug peddler’ killed in Brahmanbaria ‘gunfight’

An alleged drug peddler was killed in a “gunfight” with police in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria early today.

The deceased, Jalal Uddin Badu, 35, of Bautola village under the upazila, was arrested yesterday after locals handed him over to law enforcers, reports our correspondent quoting police.

Based on information provided by him, police took Jalal to Nurpur village to recover drugs and firearms, said Mossarrof Hossain Tarafder, officer-in-charge of Akhaura Police Station.

Sensing their presence, Jalal’s associates opened fire at police and tried to snatch away Jalal. As police retaliated, a “gunfight” ensued and Jalal sustained bullet wounds, the OC also said.

Jalal was taken to Akhaura Upazila Health Complex where doctors pronounced him dead, the police official said, adding that two police officials -- Assistant Sub-Inspector Selim, and Constable Nayan Bikash Chakma -- were also injured in the “gunfight”.

The OC claimed Jalal was a top drug peddler, who is also an accused in five cases filed with Akhaura Police Station over drug peddling and theft.

Police later recovered a pipe gun and four sharp weapons from the spot.

The body of the deceased has been sent to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.