'Extremist leader' dies in Pabna 'gunfight'

PABNA, Oct 01 (UNB): A suspected leader of extremist gang 'Lal Potaka' was killed in a reported gunfight with police near Dhpaghat Boro Bridge in Sadar upazila in the early hours of Monday, reports UNB.

The dead is Md Abul Hossain alias Abu Nakshal (55), son of late Golam Uddin of Purba Raghabpur. He is the district commander of the gang and accused in nine cases filed with Sadar thana.

Police Super of the district Sheikh Rafiqul Islam said police arrested Abul Hossain from Purbo Raghobpur area on Sunday.

Acting on his information, a team of police conducted a drive in the area to recover arms around 3:05am.

When the team reached the north side of Boro Bridge, his cohorts opened fire on the law enforcers. In retaliation, they fired back, triggering the gunfight.

When the gang fled the scene 15 minutes after the gunfight, police spotted the bullet-hit body of Abul Hossain on the spot.

They also recovered one revolver, four bullets, six cartridge and bullet shells from the scene.