Anti-Narcotics Drive: 2 killed in 'shootout' in Khulna

Two alleged drug peddlers were killed in what police claimed was a gunfight in Bagmara area in the city early yesterday, hours after their arrest amid the ongoing anti-narcotics drive.

The deceased were identified as Manik Sheikh, 32, son of Sultan Sheikh of Mistiripara Khalpara area, and Raju, 27, son of Mohammad Babul of Bagmara in the city.

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Raju's family, however, claimed the police demanded Tk 10 lakh for his release and killed him as they failed to pay the sum.

With the latest incident, at least 163 suspected drug traders were killed since the nationwide anti-narcotics drive began on May 4. Most of the suspects were killed in “gunfights” with police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).

Humayun Kabir, officer-in-charge of Khulna Sadar police, said a team of law enforcers from Khulna arrested Raju and Manik in Dhaka on Tuesday and brought them to the city as they were listed drug peddlers.

After interrogation, the police took them to recover drugs in Bankers Lane area around 3:30am. Sensing the presence of police, their cohorts opened fire on them, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, he added.

At one stage, the police recovered the bodies of Raju and Manik, while their cohorts fled.

Titli Begum, Raju's wife, told The Daily Star that police picked up her husband from New Market area in Khulna on Tuesday.

“I met the police and requested them to free him, but they demanded Tk 10 lakh for that. We wanted to arrange a press conference at Khulna Press Club, but civil police did not allow us,” she alleged.

“We will meet the press tomorrow [today] or day after tomorrow,” Titli said.

The police said both the deceased were accused in five cases each in connection with murder, drugs and extortion.

The law enforcers claimed to have recovered a pipe gun, two bullets, two sharp weapons and 150 pieces of yaba tablets from the spot.