Acting on a tip-off, police on Tuesday night raided Ghagha-Talshar village where several BCP cadres were holding a secret meeting. They arrested Takbir alias Lata, 40, from the spot, while others managed to escape.

Later police took Takbir to Laxmikundu village at around 1:30am to recover illegal arms following his confessional statement. Police said as they reached the spot, Takbir's accomplices opened fire on them. Police fired in return which resulted in a half an hour-long gunfight.

Takbir died on the spot during the shootout when he attempted to flee, police said.

A sub-inspector (SI) and two constables were injured in the gunfight.

One pipe gun and two bullets were retrieved from the spot.

Police said Takbir was accused in seven cases including two for murder.

This latest death raises the death toll to 29 in "crossfire" in the district since November last year.