'Robber' killed in Sirajganj 'shootout'

Source: STAR

An alleged highway robber was killed and two policemen were injured in a "shootout" in Kamarkhand upazila of Sirajganj early today.

The identity of the deceased aged around 30 years could not be known immediately, reports our Pabna correspondent quoting ATM Aminul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bangabandhu Bridge (West) Police Station.

Injured policemen, Md Motalib Hossain, a sub inspector, and Owliur Rahman, a constable of the police station, are now undergoing treatment at Sirajganj General Hospital.

The "gunfight" took place when a gang of robbers were looting money and valuables from the truckers on Dhaka-Sirajganj highway in Jhaoli area near the bridge around 12:30am.

On information a team of patrol police rushed there.

As the robbers opened fire, the law enforcers also retaliated with gunshots, leading to the "shootout" that continued for nearly 30 minutes, the OC said.

During the "gunfight", the robber was killed while SI Hossain and constable Rahman sustained injuries.  

The associates of the deceased however managed to flee the scene, leaving two sharp weapons on the spot.

Police recovered the body, and sent it to the hospital for autopsy this morning.

A gang of armed robbers usually loot the truckers carrying goods on the highway near the Bangabandhu Bridge, the OC added.