Another accused in the case over the killing of a businessman and his driver succumbed to injuries he received in the reported gunfight between his cohorts and police at Nagorikandi in the district town on early Thursday that left his co-accused Zahirul dead.

On secret information that some suspected criminals, including three First Information Report named accused in the double murder case, were gathering in the area, a team of police launched a drive there at about 3:00am, said Manir Hossain, sub-inspector of Sadar Police Station and also investigation officer of the case, reports UNB.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire at police prompting them to retaliate, triggering a gunfight around 3:30am.

At one stage, Zahirul, 25, a resident of Nagarkandi area, Rakib, 24, and Hossain 22 — all the three accused in the double murder case, were caught in the line of fire and sustained bullet injuries.

Later police arrested them and rushed them to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital where

doctors declared Zahirul dead at about 4:00am.

However, the two other injured Rakib and Hossain were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as their condition kept deteriorating where Rakib succumbed to his injuries at about 8:00am, said sub-inspector Monir Hossain of Sadar Police Station.

Police also recovered one pistol, two rounds of bullet and two sharp weapons from the spot.

All the criminals were wanted in several cases, including for murder and extortion, said the SI.

Earlier, Khokon Khandaker, 32, a businessman and his driver Arif Khandaker, 35, were shot to death allegedly by some extortionists as Khokon’s uncle Rafique did not comply with a demand for paying them toll at Bhagdi Moholla in Narsingdi municipality area on Wednesday evening.

Selim Khandaker, brother of Khokon, filed a case against nine people in this connection.