Kushtia: An accused in two murder cases was killed in a reported gunfight between his associates and Detective Branch members at Jagati BATB Forestry Complex in Sadar upazila in the early hours of Wednesday.

The deceased, Jakir Hossain, in his thirties, a resident of Kalbaria village in Mirpur upazila of the district, is an accused in the cases filed in connection with the killing of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) leader

Imsail Hossain Panjer and Jubo League activist Sabuj.

Kushtia DB inspector Sabbirul Islam said a team of detectives conducted a drive in the area when a gang of criminals, including Jakir, were holding a secret meeting there at about 1:30am.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, members of the gang opened fire on them, forcing police to fire back that triggered a gun fight.

Jakir was caught in the line of fire and seriously injured while his other associates managed to flee the scene.

He was taken to Kushtia General Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

The body was sent to the hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Police recovered one shutter gun, two sharp weapons and two bullet shells from the spot.

Earlier, Jubo League activist Sabuj, 23, resident of Jhalupara of the town, was killed and five others received bullets during a clash between two factions of Awami League over joining a Mourning Day Rally at Milpara in the district town on 15 August, 2015.

Imsail Hossain Panjer, former vice-president of Mirpur upazila unit of Jasad, was shot to death in a gun attack by miscreants in Mirpur upazila on 14 April, 2014.