3 ‘criminals’ shot dead in Khagrachhari gunfight

Three people were killed in a gunfight with an army patrol team in Dighinala upazila of Khagrachhari yesterday.

In a press release, Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said the gunfight broke out after the team reached Boradam on information that seven to eight armed criminals of the UPDF (Prasit Group) had gathered there.

Sensing the presence of the army personnel, the criminals opened fire on them, prompting the patrol team to fire back. The gunfight continued for 10 to 15 minutes, the release said.

At one point, the criminals were forced to step back, it said, adding that the gunfight left three criminals of the UPDF (Prasit Group) dead.

Later, army members searched the area and recovered two pistols, an American M-4 Automated Carbine and 12 bullets.

It was believed that more than one criminal was wounded in the drive, said the ISPR.

The situation is under the army’s control and similar drive will continue to ensure peace and security, the press release added.

Meanwhile, the UPDF in a press release said the three deceased were members of the organisation.

It said the dead were Nabin Jyoti Chakma, 38, Bhujendra Chakma, 50, and Ruchil Chakma alias Russel, 26.

Contacted, Rownak Alam, an additional superintendent of police in Khagrachhari, told our district correspondent that they recovered the bodies from the spot and took those to Dighinala police station.