Robber killed in 'gunfight' with cops

An alleged robber was killed in a gunfight with police at Baliatali village in Muladi upazila of the district early yesterday, said police.

The deceased is Selim Hawlader, 40, son of late Habibur Rahman of Sabipur village.

Acting on a tip-off, Rapid Action Battalion arrested Selim from Dhaka on Tuesday and handed him over to Muladi police.

A police team along with Selim conducted a drive in the area to recover firearms around 4:15am, said Motiur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Muladi Police station.

Sensing presence of the team, cohorts of Selim opened fire on the law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate that triggered a gunfight.

At one stage, Selim was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot while his cohorts managed to flee the scene.

Three policemen were also injured during the incident. Injured sub-inspectors Kamol, Faruq and constable Parvej of the police station were admitted to the police station.

Police also recovered two pipe guns and six bullets from the spot.

Selim was accused in several cases including those for robbery and murder, said police.