A robber gang leader was killed in a gunfight with police in Patkelghata Police Station’s Obaitala area on early Wednesday.

The suspected ringleader Rafiqul Islam,38, was a resident of Nawakata village of the same upazila.

Patkelghata Police officer-in-charge (OC) Tariqul Islam said on secret information, they arrested Rafiqul from his house on Tuesday (27 January) afternoon.

Following confessional statement of Rafiqul, a police team launched a drive along with him to recover firearms in Obaitala area at about 3:30 am.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, Rafiqul’s cohorts fired gunshots in a bid to snatch him, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, which triggered a gunfight, leaving Rafiqul critically injured with bullets.

Police took Rafiqul to Satkhira Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Two policemen -- constables Azibur Rahman and Kabir Hossain -- were also injured during the gunfight.

Later, the body was sent to the hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Police also recovered one shutter gun, one machete and two rounds of bullet from the spot.

Rafiqul was wanted in several robbery cases with different police stations, added the OC.