A suspected member of a pirate gang was killed in a “gunfight between his cohorts and members of Rapid Action Battalion near China Cross Dam at Moregram in Sirajganj sadar upazila early yesterday.
The deceased was identified as Asadul Islam, 29, son of Abdur Rashid of Meghnapatal village in Bhuapur upazila of Tangail.
Hasibul Alam, assistant sub-inspector, said police received an information that a gang of robbers were taking preparation to commit robbery in the area. Then, a team of police led by Mahiuddin Faruki, Rab-12 Tangail Commander Additional Superintendent of Police, conducted a drive in the Jamuna River around 4am.
Sensing the presence of the elite force, the pirates opened fire on the Rab members, prompting them to retaliate, triggering a gunfight.
At one stage, Asadul was caught in the line of fire while his other associates managed to flee.
Later Asadul was rushed to Sirajganj Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.
One foreign-made revolver, three sharp weapons, three rounds of bullet, six rounds of cartridge and 21 rounds of shotgun bullet were recovered from the spot.
A listed criminal, Asadul was wanted in several cases filed for robbery and murder, said Habibul Islam, officer-in-charge of Sadar police station.
