'Gunfight' kills 'outlaw' in Chuadanga

CHUADANGA, Dec 27 (UNB): A suspected top leader of outlawed party 'Janajuddha ' was killed in an alleged gunfight with police at Bhalaipur on the Chuadanga-Meherpur road in Sadar upazila in the early hours of Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Ketu (34), son of Shawkat Ali of Akundabaria village in the upazila.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Chuadanga Sadar thana Amir Abbas said police arrested Ketu from Keraniganj in the capital on Tuesday morning.

Based on the information of Ketu provided during the primary interrogation, police along with the outlaw conducted a drive around 2:00 am to recover arms and ammunitions.

When the team reached Bhalaipara, Ketu's associates opened fire on police. In retaliation, the law enforcers fired back, triggering the gunfight.

After exchanging bullets for around 30 minutes, the outlaws fled scene when police rescued the bullet-hit body of Ketu.

Later, he was taken to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead, said the OC.

Five police personnel, including OC Amir Abbas, received injuries during the gunfight.

Police also recovered a pistol, two cartridges, six hand grenades and six machetes from the spot.