An alleged criminal was killed in what police claimed to be a gunfight with them at Makardhos in Sadar upazila of Lakshmipur on early Sunday.

The deceased is identified as Tareq Hossain, member of criminal gang ‘Bashar Bahini’, a resident of the same village, UNB reported.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Mohammad Junayet Kawser said a team of police conducted a drive in Makardhos area to arrest Tareq when he along with his associates was staying there at about 3:00am.

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

Tareq 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 Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy in the morning.

Police also recovered one light gun and six rounds of bullet from the spot.

Four policemen were injured during the gunfight.

Tareq was wanted in several cases, including for murder and extortion, the ASP added.