An alleged ring leader of a robber gang was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Companiganj upazila of Noakhali early Monday (Dec 30).

The deceased was identified as Shahadat Hossain Swapan, 39, son of Belayet Hossain, a resident of Bamni Bazar area of Rampur union.

Police claimed that he was the leader of an inter-district robber gang.

Swapan was accused in 23 cases filed with different Police Stations, police said.

Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Companyganj Police Station, said a team of police led by inspector (investigation) Mostafizur Rahman arrested Shahadat from Chowmuhani in Begumganj upazila on Sunday (Dec 29) evening.

During interrogation, he revealed that his gang members would wait at the Chotodhali village to commit robbery at night.

When a police team reached the spot to arrest other members of the gang, the criminals opened fire on police, triggering a gunfight.

Shahadat sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter, OC added.

Later, he was taken to Companyganj Health Complex where doctors pronounced him dead.

Six policemen were also injured, OC Rahman said.

Police recovered a pipe gun, nine bullets and sharp weapons from the spot.