A suspected drug pedlar was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Radhakrishnapur Ghaghotpara area in Rangpur city early Friday.
The deceased was identified as Shawkat Ali Ghughu, 33, a resident of Deudoba Dangirpara area of the city.
Acting on a tip-off that a gang of drug pedlars were conducting illicit activity, a team of RAB-13 conducted a drive in the area at around 3:00 am, said Kahndaker Golam Mortuza, a media wing member of RAB-13.
Sensing presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire on them, forcing the lawmen to retaliate, UNB reported.
At one stage, the RAB personnel recovered the bullet-riddled body of Shawkat while the others managed to flee the scene.
Shawkat was wanted in 13 criminal cases, including that of drugs and robbery, said RAB. He was also a listed robber of the area.
Huge drugs and firearms were recovered from the spot, Mortuza said.
