One victim, two identities

An alleged drug dealer was killed in a “shootout” with detectives in Gazipur yesterday but confusion remained over his identity as police gave contradictory statements after his death.

An official press release first claimed that the dead was Kamrul Islam alias Kamal Khan alias Kamu, 40, son of late Siraj Uddin Khan alias Tomiz Uddin Khan of East Arichpur in Ershad Nagar of Tongi. He was accused in 14 cases including one relating to a double murder.

But Josna, wife of the aforementioned person, said her husband was not killed and he was in jail. Prashanta Kumar Banik, jail superintendent of Kashimpur Central Jail-2, also confirmed it.

Contacted, police later gave another statement, saying the dead was actually Kamal Khan Alias Kamu, 32, son of Siraj Uddin Khan in East Arichpur in Tongi. He was accused in three cases, including one relating to narcotics.

Locals in Arichpur could not identify anyone named Kamal Khan alias Kamu.

However, Gazipur DB Inspector Amir Hossain told The Daily Star that the man had been absconding and not residing in Arichpur.

Although the so-called shootout took place in Bhadun area of Gazipur at 2:30am yesterday, no one came to claim the body that was kept in Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College morgue as of 10:00pm.

Describing the incident, a DB press release said that on secrete information of drug trading, a team of detectives from Gazipur arrested Kamrul along with 4,000 pieces of yaba and a private car, raiding Ulukhola area around 10:00pm Thursday.

The team along with the arrestee was on their way back after filing a case against him with Kaliganj Police Station, said the release. 

As they reached Bhadun, Kamrul's accomplices opened fire at police and he jumped off the police vehicle to flee. As the law enforcers retaliated in self-defence, Kamrul got shot and died on the spot, according to the statement.    

At least 127 people have been killed in the incidents of so-called shootouts across the country in the last 18 days since the beginning of the ongoing anti-narcotics drives.

The Rab launched its own anti-narcotics operation on May 4 while the Police Headquarters on May 16 instructed all police units across the country to conduct special anti-narcotics drives.