‘Drug peddler’ killed in Rajshahi ‘gunfight’

A suspected drug peddler was killed in a “gunfight” between their cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members in Rajshahi city early today.

Deceased Abul Hasan alias Hasan Ghatial, hailed from Damkura area in Poba upazila of the district, was wanted in 16 cases, Rab sources said.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Rab-5 conducted a drive at Paschim Naboganga Kashiadanga around 12:30am, said Lieutenant Colonel Mahabub Alam, commanding officer of Rab-5.

Sensing presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire on Rab members, prompting them to retaliate that triggered a “gunfight”.

At one stage, Hasan was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot.      

The Rab team recovered firearms, bullets, phensedyl and huge drugs from the spot.