2 ‘suspected drug traders’ killed in ‘gunfights’

Two suspected drug traders were killed in separate gunfights in Natore and Gazipur districts early today.

In Natore, Meher Ali, accused in 14 cases, including those for narcotics, murder and robbery, was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Lalpur upazila

Rab members challenged a group of people at Chamtia area in the wee hours and met attack. In response to gunfire, the lawmen retaliated with the same – triggering a gunfight, said Maj Shiblee Mostofa, company commander of Natore unit Rab.

As the gunfight subsided, Meher Ali was found lying on pool of blood. He was rushed to a local clinic where he was pronounced dead, Rab official added. A stash of drugs, arms and bullets were said to have been recovered from the spot.

In Gazipur, another suspected drug trader Sharif, 30, was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rab in Prottashar Math area of Tongi around 3:30am.

Rab officials gave an identical narrative of the shootout – they opened gunfire on ground of self defence after they came under attack from a group of suspected drug dealers.

A Rab personnel was also hurt during the encounter, said Ishtiaq Ahmed, deputy commander of Rab- 1. A firearm, yaba pills and phensidyl were recovered from the spot, he added.

Source: thedailystar