'Murder accused' killed in Natore 'gunfight'

NATORE, July 13 (UNB): An accused in a college student murder case was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Lalpur Upazila here early Saturday.

The deceased was identified as Manikuzzaman Manik, 48, of Ishwardi Upazila in Pabna.

Shoikat Hasan, Natore Detective Branch of Police Officer-in-Charge, said on information, police arrested Manik, also a member of a hijacking gang, from Roopur of Pabna district on Friday.

According to his information, police launched a drive to arrest the other gang members.

When they reached Tofakata intersection his associates opened fire on the law enforcers, forcing them to fire back in self defence at around 02:00 am, triggering a gunfight.

Police recovered bullet-hit Manik and took him to Upazila health Complex where doctor declared him dead, he added.

The OC said police arrested Manik while investigating a case over killing of a college student on July 05 at Boraigram in Natore.

Manik was accused in a dozen of murder and hijacking cases, the OC added.