3 men killed in Cox’s Bazar ‘shootout’

Three persons, who according to police were human traffickers, were killed in a reported gunfight with law enforcers in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar early Tuesday.

Police identified the deceased as Kurban Ali, 30, son of Abdus Shukkur of Noyapara Golapara in the upazila, Abdul Quader, 25, son of Ali Hossain, and Abdur Rahman, 30, son of Sultan Ahmed of KK Para in Teknaf municipality.

Confirming the incident, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station Pradip Kumar Das said a team of police conducted a drive at Maheskhaliapara Noughat in the early hours to arrest accused in a case filed over the trafficking of 15 Rohingyas.

Sensing the presence of police, the alleged human traffickers opened fire on them, forcing law enforcers to retaliate with gun shots in self-defence which triggered a gun battle, he said.

After the gunfight, the OC further said, police found the trio lying on the ground with bullet wounds.

Later, the critically injured were taken to Sadar Hospital where doctors declared them dead, the OC said, claiming that three policemen were also injured in the incident.

The injured policemen are assistant sub-inspector Sayef, and constables Mong and M Shukkur, who were taken to Teknaf Health Complex.

The law enforcement also recovered three firearms, 15 cartridges, and 20 cartridge casings from the spot.

The OC said a case will be lodged with Teknaf police station in this connection.