An alleged criminal was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Laxmipur Sadar Upazila early today.

The deceased was identified as Yusuf, son of Ali Ahammad, a resident of Bashikpur village in Sadar upazila.

Tipped off, a team of police conducted a drive in Kashipur area to arrest Yusuf when he along with his associates was staying here at about 3:00am, police said.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the associates of Yusuf opened fire on them, forcing police to fire back that triggered a "gun battle".

Yusuf was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot while his associates managed to flee the scene.

Police recovered the body and sent it to Laxmipur Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy in the morning.

Police also recovered one pistol and three bullets from the spot.

Four policemen -- sub-inspectors Jahangir Hossain and Rajib Kar and constables Plaban and Mojammel Haque -- were injured during the "gunfight".

Yusuf was wanted in several cases, including for three murders, the police source added.