The suspected leader of a fraud ring has been killed in a reported shootout with police in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha.

The incident occurred near Katakhali dam area of the upazila around 3:45 am on Friday (Aug 9).

The deceased is Chinu Miah, 38, who was accused in 18 cases in charges of attempted murder, fraud, extortion, abduction, arson and sabotage.

Three police officials were also injured in the incident. They have been provided first-aid treatment, confirmed Gobindaganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Mehedi Hasan.

He said police arrested Chinu from Biswanath village on Wednesday night. On their way to the police station, his associates attacked the police van and helped Chinu escape from police custody.

Acting on a tip-off that a group of criminals, including Chinu, would gather in the area, a police team conducted a drive there. Realizing the presence of law enforcement, the criminals opened fire on the policemen forcing them to fire back in self-defence, and triggering a gunfight, the police official added.

At one stage, Chinu was caught in the line of fire and died on spot. Police recovered arms and ammunition from the scene.

The OC further said the body has been sent to Gaibandha Sadar Modern Hospital for autopsy.