Outlawed leader dies in 'shootout'

An outlawed party leader was killed in a 'shootout' between his cohorts and police near Khariar Beel of Gutudia union in Dumuria upazila of Khulna early yesterday.
Three policemen including an inspector also sustained bullet injuries during the 'gunfight'.
The deceased was identified as Motilal Shikder, 48, operation commander of New Biplobi Communist Party of Dumuria.
Motilal, son of Kalipada Shikder of the union, was accused in six criminal cases, including three for murder, police said.
Abdul Jalil, officer-in-charge of Dumuria Police Station, said a police team challenged a gang of outlaws at about 12:45am when they were making preparation to commit criminal activities in the area.
Sensing danger, the gang opened fire on the law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate with fire.
At one stage, the outlaws managed to flee the scene, leaving behind wounded Motilal.
He later died on way to Dumuria Upazila Health Complex, the OC said adding that the gunfire continued for about half-an-hour.
Inspector of Dumuria Police Station Iqbal Anwar, constables Mujibur Rahman and M Abu Selim, who sustained bullet injuries in the shootout, were admitted to the health complex.
A sawn-off rifle, four rounds of bullet and four gun shells were recovered from the spot.
Motilal used to extort money from the local shrimp traders at gunpoint, police said.