A suspected drug peddler drowned in a pond allegedly being by members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Noapara in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi.  

The deceased is Md Sayem, 30, of Darusa area of Poba upazila, said major Ashraful of RAB-5.  

Major Ashraful said when a patrol team of RAB challenged two youths at Chandura they tried to flee leaving their motorcycle on the road, reports UNB.  

Sayem jumped into a pond while another youth managed to flee, he said.  

Later RAB rescued Sayem and took him to Tanore Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.   Rab members seized the motorbike and recovered eight kilograms of hemp, cash Tk 2,200, three mobile SIM cards.