Notorious robber gunned down in Munshiganj clash

A notorious robber was shot dead during a confrontation on the Meghna River at Malliker Char area under Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj district on Tuesday.

Deceased Uzzal Khalasi alias Babla, 42, was the leader of a gang implicated in 25 criminal cases, including murder and piracy.

The incident occurred around 8 AM on Tuesday at Malliker Char of Imampur union in the upazila, where Babla was engaged in a violent clash with another robbers' group. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the altercation.

Local sources indicated that the conflict arose from a dispute over illegal sand extraction in the Sholaani area of the river, involving Babla's gang and a rival group known as the Nayan gang.

Witnesses said that about 20-25 attackers arrived in front of Babla's house in a speedboat and two trawlers, firing shots and spreading panic in the area. Babla had sought refuge at the home of a local resident, Rahim Badsha, shortly before the gunfire erupted. Residents later discovered his lifeless body at the scene.

Locals, however, managed to lock the building and capture nine of the attackers before they could escape.

Authorities recovered empty bullet casings and a significant sum of cash amounting to Tk 20,40,000 from the scene. 

Family members have accused the Nayan gang of being responsible for Babla's death. 

Gajaria Police Station officer-in-charge Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the detention in connection with the incident and said the body has been sent to Munshiganj General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

The police have assured that legal action will be taken against all those involved in this violent encounter.