Rape accused killed in “gunfight” in Noakhali

The prime accused in a gang-rape case was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Noakhali's Senbagh upazila last night.

The deceased, Mizanur Rahman, alias Mizan, 40, was accused in the case filed for raping a teenage girl in the upazila, reports our Noakhali correspondent quoting police.

Earlier on Sunday, police arrested Mizan from Mahtabpur village hours after a 15-year-old girl filed a case with Senbagh Police Station on charge of raping her at gunpoint on Saturday night, said Abdul Baten Mridha, officer-in-charge of the police station.

After his arrest, police conducted a drive with him last night at Purbabazar Sonakandi area to recover the firearm he brandished during the rape incident.

Sensing presence of lawmen, Mizan's aides tried to snatch him by firing indiscriminately, forcing police to retaliate, police claimed.

Mizan sustained bullet wounds during the "gunfight". He was taken to Noakhali General Hospital where doctors declared him dead, the OC added.

A firearm and ammunition were recovered from the spot, the OC said, adding that three policemen were injured in the "gunfight".

They were given primary aid at Senbagh Upazila Health Complex.

Noakhali Superintendent of Police Md Alamgir Hossain said alongside the rape case, there were extortion and drug cases against Mizan.