Robber killed in Barguna 'gunfight'

A leader of an inter-district robber gang was killed in a 'gunfight' between his cohorts and police in Amtali upazila of Barguna early yesterday.

The deceased, Abdul Jabbar, 50, of Gulishakhali village, was the ringleader of the gang.

Four constables-- Abdul Kuddus, Mohammad Mamun, Abul Kalam and Habibur Rahman-- of Amtali Police Station, who sustained injuries during the 'gunfight', were treated locally.

Police said being tipped-off that a gang was taking preparation to commit robbery at the Gulishakhali village, a team of police went to the spot around 3:00am and arrested Jabbar.

Following Jabbar's confessional statement, police took him to a nearby spot to recover firearms, said Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahidullah of Amtali Police Station.

Sensing the presence of police, Jabbar's associates opened fire on the law enforcers, forcing them to retaliate that led to the "gunfight".

Jabbar, who was hit by bullets while trying to flee the scene, was rushed to Amtali Upazila Health Complex where the doctors declared him dead.

Jabbar was accused in at least 15 cases, including for murder, rape and robbery, with different police stations, the OC added.