'Robber' killed in 'shootout'

An alleged robber was killed in a "gunfight'" with police at Alamkhali Bazaar on Magura-Jhenidah highway in Magura Sadar upazila early yesterday.

The deceased, Shawkat Ali Mondal, 38, of Kumarpara village in Faridpur's Madhukhali, was a member of an inter-district robber gang, said police.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Sudarshan Roy, assistant superintendent of police in Magura Sadar circle, said police had information that some robbers were taking preparation for committing a robbery near Alamkhali Bazaar by blocking the highway with logs.

The criminals opened fire when a patrol team of Sadar Police Station raided the area around 3:30am, the police official said.

The "gunfight" took place between police and the robbers when the law enforcers retaliated, the police official claimed.

At one stage, Shawkat was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot. The others fled.

Police said Shawkat stood accused in six robbery cases filed with Madhukhali and Boalmari police stations in Faridpur. 

Police also claimed to have recovered a pistol, a sharp weapon and a saw from the spot.