Police claim 'gunfight,' wife alleges 'murder'

Police have said Shafiqul Islam, an accused in four cases, has died in a gunfight.

The incident took place at Balur Mat adjacent to Ferryghat in Sadar upazila of Bhola on early Tuesday.

Police, however, couldn't ensure Shafiqul was killed in police firing or by the opponent group.

Shafiqul’s wife Jesmin alleged that her husband was picked up and shot dead by the police.

Police claimed Shafiqul is a pirate. He is a resident of Kalupur-chorananda village in East Ilisha union of Sadar upazila.

According to the statements of officer-in-charge Enayet Hossain and Bhola superintendent of police Mohammad Kaiser, two groups of pirates were locked in a clash over taking control on Uttar (north) Meghna and dividing shares.

Being tipped off that two groups were exchanging fire, police rushed to the spot. At that time, the police were forced to retaliate after pirates opened fire on them.

Police, however, could not capture anyone as all the pirates fled the scene on two trawlers across Tentulia river, they added.

The body of Shafiqul was recovered from the spot. Huge arms including shooter gun, four local weapons and bullets were also recovered, said OC Enayet Hossain.

The victim’s family identified his body as it was sent to Bhola sadar hospital.

OC Enayet said four cases on charges of robbery, abduction, murder and drug were earlier filed against Shafiqul with Bhola sadar model police station.

Shafiqul's wife Jesmin said sub inspector Sujon Majahi detained her husband from a residence at Ilisha junction area around 8:30pm on Monday.

SP Mohammad Kaisar denied the allegation.