Pirojpur: A suspected leader of a gang of robbers was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Pattashi village of Indurkani upazila early Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Jakir Hossain, 54, leader of an inter-district robbery gang and son of Fazlu of Jolagati village in Kawkhali upazila, reports the UNB.

He was wanted in 11 criminal cases, said Nasir Uddin, officer-in-charge of Indurkani Police Station.

Based on secret information, a team of police in association with the members of Detective Branch conducted a drive along with Jakir to recover arms from the area around 2:00am, said the OC.

Sensing their presence, the criminals opened fire on the law enforcers forcing them to retaliate that triggered a gunfight.

At one stage, Jakir was caught in the line of fire and sustained bullet injuries.

He was rushed to Indurkani Upazila Health Complex where the duty doctors declared him dead.

Police also recovered one pipe gun, two rounds of bullet and 12 bullet shells from the spot.

Earlier on August 24, police arrested Jakir Hossain from Khulna district following a robbery incident in the upazila’s Ramchandrapur village.

According to Jakir, police conducted the drive to recover arms.

Two cops--Sub-inspector Shadat Hossain and Constable Nasir—sustained injuries during this gunfight and were undergoing treatment at Pirojpur Modern Hospital, the OC added.