2 more ‘drug peddlers’ killed in ‘gunfights’

Two more alleged drug peddlers were killed in “gunfights” in Tangail and Rangpur early today amid the countrywide anti-narcotics drive.

Of the deceased, one was killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion and another was killed in a “gun battle” between two groups of yaba traders.

With this, the tally of people killed in such incidents stood at 131.

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In Tangail, a “gunfight” between drug peddlers and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Kalihati upazila left a suspected drug peddler dead.

Mohammad Ruhul alias Chhoto Ruhul alias Kailla Ruhul, 28, son of Abdul Gani of Golora village in the upazila, was accused in several cases, including a drug-related one, reports our Tangail correspondent quoting Rab.

According to a SMS sent by Major Rabiul Islam, commander of crime prevention company-3 of Rab-12, a team of Rab-12 from Tangail camp launched an anti-drug drive in Golora area in the upazila around 2:30am.

Sensing presence of Rab personnel, the criminals opened fire at them, prompting them to retaliate, the message reads.

After the “gunfight” ended, the Rab team found Ruhul with bullet wounds and took him to Tangail General Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead, the Rab commander said in his message.

Two Rab members were hurt in the “gun battle”, he said.

The elite force members also recovered heroin, yaba pills and firearms from the spot, added the official.

In Rangpur, police recovered the bullet-hit body of Rafiqul Islam Opi, an alleged drug peddler, in Kaunia upazila.

Rafiqul Islam was killed during a “gunfight” between two gangs of drug dealers at Tangir Bazar in the upazila, said Saifur Rahman, additional superintendent of Rangpur police.

A total of 226 pieces of yaba, 46 bottles phensedyl, a pistol and a sharp weapon were found from the spot.

Police recovered the body and sent it to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy.