A suspected drug dealer has been killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat.
The incident took place around 3am on Wednesday near Ratanpur’ Sluicegate area of the upazila.
The deceased, Rabiul Islam Mintu, was a resident of Gopalpur village and was accused in at least 19 assault and drug-related cases, RAB sources confirmed.
“We were informed by our sources that a large drug trade is going to take place in the area. When we made a drive to the spot, sensing our presence the drug dealers opened fire at us, initiating a gunfight,” said ASP Mohaimenur Rashid, company commander of RAB-5.
“The drug dealers fled the spot when we retaliated and we found the bullet shot injured Mintu. As we took the injured Mintu to Joypurhat Modern General Hospital, the duty doctor declared him dead,” added the officer.
However, the mother of the deceased, Rokeya Bewa alleged members of RAB-5 picked up Mintu in front of Atapara BGB camp and later shot him dead in custody.
“Two of my four children were killed by law enforcement agencies,” the mother said.
RAB also recovered two foreign-made pistols, one shooter gun, two magazines, eight rounds of bullets, 502 bottles of phensedyl, and 1200 yaba pills from the spot.
