Kushtia: An alleged robber was killed in a ‘gunfight’ between his cohorts and detectives at Mashan Kaligora on the Kushtia‐Meherpur Highway in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia in the early hours of Wednesday.

Acting on secret information that a gang of robbers were preparing to commit robberies on the highway, a DB team launched a drive there at the dead of night, said Sabbirul Islam, officer‐in‐charge of Kushtia DB police.

Sensing the law enforcers’ presence, the robbers opened fire on the police, prompting them to retaliate that triggered a gunfight.

At one stage, Rafiqul Islam Rafiq, son of Aziz Sheikh of Machhpara village in Rajbari district, was caught in the line of fire and got injured, while others managed to flee the scene.

Rafiq was taken to Mirpur Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.

Police also recovered one light gun, two sharp weapons and one bullet from the spot.

Rafiq was wanted in a number of cases, including for robbery, the OC added.