Man killed in ‘gunfight’ in Teknaf

An alleged criminal was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar early yesterday.

The dead Ariful Islam, 22, son of Nurul Islam, former ward member of Teknaf Sadar Union, was accused in five cases including one of murder, said police.

Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station, claimed that they conducted a raid around 3:00am in the upazila's Moheshkhalia Para on information that Ariful and his cohorts were staying there.

Sensing law enforcers' presence, Ariful's cohorts opened fire, forcing them to retaliate, he added.

After the "gunfight", police found Ariful lying on the ground with bullet injuries. Police then rushed him to Teknaf Upzila Health Complex, he said.

Later, Ariful was shifted to Cox's Bazar General Hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, the OC said, adding that the body was sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Three policemen were also injured during the gunfight and later received treatment at the health complex, Pradip said.

Police claimed to have recovered one locally made long barrel gun and some ammunition from the spot.

The Daily Star, however, could not independently verify the police claims.