Two killed in 'shootouts'

Two alleged muggers were killed in “shootouts” with police in Comilla and Pabna yesterday.

The dead are Azad Khan, 25, and Jahangir Hossain, 27, report our correspondents.

Police said the “gunfight” in Comilla took place around 5:00am after a Detective Branch of police team challenged a gang, which was preparing for carjacking, near Alekhar Char area in Sadar upazila on Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

Sensing danger, the gang opened fire targeting the DB personnel, prompting them to retaliate that eventually triggered the shootout, said Khorshed Alam, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station.

Azad was shot and four of his cohorts were arrested from the scene, he said. A pistol and a machete were also recovered from there.

Doctors of Comilla Medical College Hospital declared Azad, who was facing two cases relating to robbery and theft, dead on his arrival, added the OC.

In Pabna, the “gunfight” took place in front of Raju Cinema Hall in Ishwardi early yesterday after a police patrol team went there on a tip-off to arrest a group of criminals.

Sensing police presence, the muggers fired gunshots on them. Police also fired several rounds in return that led to the gunfight, said SM Mostain Hossain, additional superintendent of police of the district.   

Jahangir was killed on the spot, added the police official.