'Robber' killed in 'gunfight'

An alleged robber was killed in a 'gunfight' with police near Kochamari Bridge in Gabtoli upazila of the district yesterday.

The deceased was Md Khairul Islam, 28, son of Abdus Samad of Gaiguli village in the upazila.

He was accused in four robbery cases, said Md Khairul Bashar, officer-in-charge of Gabtoli Police Station.

A gang of robbers was preparing to commit robbery by felling trees on Pirgachha road in the area around 2:30am. At the time, a patrol team of police went to the area.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire, forcing police to fire back that triggered a gunfight, said the OC.

Police later rescued bullet-hit Khairul from the spot and sent him to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital where he died around 6:30am. Khairul sustained bullet injuries in his right leg, said the OC.

Meanwhile, the cohorts of Khairul managed to flee the scene, said the police official.

Sub-inspector Md Zahid and Inspector Awal were also injured during the gunfight, he said.