A man, who was accused in rape and acid-throwing cases, has been killed in Meherpur in what the police described as shootout.
The incident was reported around 2.30am on Saturday (May 11) from Garadob village in the district’s Gangni Upazila, said police.
The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Yakub Ali Kajal.
Kajal was accused in two cases, one filed for rape of a school girl on Dec 20 last year while another for throwing acid on a housewife on May 9 this year, police said.
“Police arrested Kajal from the upazila in connection with the two cases and after interrogation; police took him to a hideout in the area to recover hidden firearms. Sensing the presence of law enforcing men, Kajal’s accomplices opened fire on police, in retaliation police had to fire back triggering the shootout,” said Gangni police OC Sajedul Islam.
“Kajal was hit by bullets during the shootout and was rushed to Gangni Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared him dead,” said Islam.
“Four police members were also injured in the incident,” added the OC.
According to Gangni police, Kajal and his gang abducted a school girl of eighth grade on the night of Dec 20 last year and gang-raped her.
The victim’s mother filed a case against Kajal and his accomplices with Gangni police station.
On May 9 this year, Kajal threw acid on a housewife at Dhola village after she refused his illicit proposal. She is being treated at Gangni health Complex.
On Friday (May 10), after victim’s husband also filed a case against Kajal, Gangni police arrested him (Kajal) late on Friday.
Police said that Kajal used to run a gang in the area and carried out various crimes.