'Criminal' killed in 'gunfight' with cops

An alleged criminal was killed in a “gunfight” between his cohorts and law enforcers in Munshiganj town early yesterday.

The dead is Shahjalal Miji, 33, of Dakkhin Courtgaon area in the town. He stood accused in at least 22 cases filed with different police stations of the district, said police.

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Jayedul Alam, superintendent of Munshiganj police, said Shahjalal was arrested in Dakkhin Courtgaon area around 5:00pm on Sunday. 

Based on information gleaned from Shahjalal, a team of the Detective Branch of police and local police was going to Baikhar area in the town to recover firearms, said police.

Shahjalal was with the law enforcers. When they reached Parulpara area around 2:30am, some 10 to 12 accomplices of Shahjalal suddenly opened fire and tried to snatch Shahjalal from them, said police. 

Police then returned fire, triggering a "gunfight". During the “gunfight”, Shahjalal managed to escape from the police van, said police.

After the gun battle, police found the bullet-hit body of Shahjalal. They took him to Munshiganj General Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

During the “gunfight”, Sub-inspector of DB Hemayet Mollah and constables Soheb Mia and Sohrab Hossain were wounded. They were admitted to Munshiganj General Hospital.

Law enforcers also claimed to have recovered two pistols, two magazines, five bullet shells and six sharp weapons from the spot.