A CNG-run autorickshaw driver was gunned down by unidentified criminals at Poloanpole in Begumganj upazila early yesterday. The victim was identified as Sujan Hossain Jewel, 28. Family members said Jewel returned to his village at 1.00am after parking his auto-rickshaw in the garage. As he reached near his house, a group of criminals fired three rounds of bullets at him, leaving him critically injured. The gang also beat a shopkeeper as he tried to save Jewel. Later, Jewel was taken to Noakhali Sadar Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at about 5.00 am. Officer-in-charge of Begumganj Police Station Sajedur Rahman said police sent the body to hospital morgue for autopsy. Drive is on to arrest the criminals, said the OC.