Cop missing in gunfight found dead in Meghna

MUNSHIGANJ, Feb 5 (UNB): A police constable, who went missing in the Meghna river after being hit by bullets in a shootout with pirates at Baluakandi village in Gazaria Upazila early Wednesday, was found dead in the river eight hours after the incident.

The victim was identified as Abdul Malek, constable of Gazaria Police Station.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of the police station Mamunur Rashid said the gunfight took place on the river near the Meghna Bridge area at around 2:15am when a gang of pirates in several boats started firing shots at a four-member patrol team of police as they met them (policemen) abruptly while passing through the area after looting.

During the shootout, constable Malek sustained bullet wounds and fell into the river.

At one stage, the pirates ran away leaving one looted boat loaded with valuables.