RANGPUR: An alleged inter-district dacoits' gang leader was killed in a ‘gunfight’ with police near the regional station of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) on the outskirts of the city yesterday, police officials said, reports BSS. “The slain man was identified as Rajab Ali, 36, son of late Manju Mian of village Durgapur under Polashbari upazila in Gaibandha district,” Additional Superintendent of Police (Circe -A) Saifur Rahman Saif told BSS yesterday noon. Ali was wanted in at least 10 cases for allegedly committing robberies with different police stations of Gaibandha, Rangpur and Rajshahi districts, he added.

Getting secret information about gathering of a group of dacoits near regional station of BRRI for committing robbery, a special police team raided the area around 3:30 am. “Sensing presence of police, the bandits opened fire towards law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate in self-defense, triggering a gunfight” Saifur said, adding that the dacoits fled the scene at one stage.

Later police found the body of Rajab Ali falling on the ground and recovered a pistol and local sharp weapons.

The body was sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy.