An alleged snatcher was shot dead while he along with his accomplices was trying to escape after firing at cops in Hatirjheel area of Dhaka today.

The deceased was identified as Yusuf, 28, a ringleader of an organised snatching gang, Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tejgaon Industrial Police Station, told The Daily Star.

Yusuf along with his accomplices went to Hatirjheel area by riding a car around 3:30am last night aiming to commit mugging, the OC said.

Following their suspicious movement, police charged them and the snatchers opened fire on police members indiscriminately to manage a safe escape, he said.

In retaliation police opened fire, leaving Yusuf injured, the OC added.

Yusuf was taken to National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre where he succumbed to his injuries around 3:15pm.

Police also detained Sumon from the spot in this connection, the OC informed.