Two alleged robbers hurt in 'gunfight' with cops

Two alleged robbers were injured in a 'gunfight' with police in Churkhai area under Sadar upazila early yesterday.

They are Ali Hossain, 26, of Monikura village in Haluaghat upazila of Mymensingh, and Rajib Miah, 25, of Kalapara upazila in Patuakhali district. They were arrested and admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital with bullet wounds in their legs and hands, police said.

Imarat Hossain Gazi, officer-in-charge (OC) of the Detective Branch of police, said detectives went to Darirampur in Trishal upazila on Monday night to arrest some accused in different cases.

On their way back at around 2:30am, they were informed by locals that a gang of 5/7 robbers was preparing to commit a robbery at Darirampur area.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers in the area, the gang tried to flee the scene in a car. The detectives chased the gang towards Churkhai area. When they reached Jamtola of Churkhai, the robbers opened fired, prompting the detectives to retaliate, the OC said.

During the gunfight, two robbers received bullet wounds while others managed to flee, the OC added.

Sub-inspectors Mofizul Islam and Faruq Ahmed, assistant sub-inspector Shamim Hossain and constable Baten were injured during the incident. They were given first aid.

Police also recovered a pipegun, three bullets and two sharp cutters from the spot.