Robber killed in 'gunfight' with cops in Jessore

A robber was killed in a 'gunfight' with police in Panchbaria area on the Jessore-Magura Highway in the district early yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Yunus Ali, 42, son of Yakub Ali, of Bhallukghar village in Keshabpur upazila.

Receiving information that a gang of robbers was taking preparations for looting night coaches and good-laden trucks on the highway by felling a tree, a police team went to the spot at around 4:00am, said Akkas Ali, officer-in-charge (OC) of jessore Kotwali Police Station.

Sensing the presence of the team, the robbers exploded crude bombs and opened fire, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate.

Yunus Ali sustained bullet wounds and died on the spot while his accomplices managed to flee, the OC said, adding that two policemen--Mostafizur Rahman and Asadullah--were also injured during the gunfight.

Police sent Yunus' body to Jessore Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. They also recovered four crude bombs and several sharp weapons from the spot.

Yunus was wanted in several cases, including for robbery and extortion, police said.