'Robber' killed in Savar 'gunfight'

A suspected robber was killed in a "gunfight" between law enforcers and his cohorts on Dhaka-Aricha highway in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital, early today.

Rafiqul Islam, a sub-inspector (SI) of Savar Model Police Station, also sustained injuries during the "gunfight", Shafiqul Islam, assistant superintendent of police (ASP) in Savar, told The Daily Star.

He is now undergoing treatment at Enam Medical College and Hospital, the ASP added.

The identity of the dead aged around 45 years could not be known, reports our Savar correspondent quoting the ASP.

The "gunfight" took place around 2:00pm when a patrol team led by SI Rafiqul saw a group of 10 to 12 people sitting on Dhaka-Aricha highway near a Palli Bidyut Sub Station.

Suspecting the people as robbers, the law enforcers challenged them, ASP Shafiqul said.

As soon as the policemen tried to nab them, the group exploded three crude bombs and opened fire on the law enforcers that triggered a "gunfight" in front of Police Town residential area, some 200 yards off the sub station, the ASP added.

During the "gunfight", the dead sustained severe bullet injuries while his fellows fled the scene.

He was rushed to nearby Savar Upazila Health Complex where the duty doctors declared him dead around 2:45am, the ASP said.

Police recovered three crude bombs and two sharp weapons from the spot after the "gunfight".