Khulna: Two suspected drug peddlers were killed in a reported gunfight between their cohorts and police at Bagmara in the city early Wednesday.

The deceased are Raju, 26, son of Mohammad Babul of Bagmara and Manik Kha, 30, son of Sultan Sheikh of Mistiripara in the city.

Sub-inspector Sumendu Kumar of Kotwali Police Station said a team of police arrested Raju and Manik from Dhaka and brought them to Khulna on Tuesday.

On Tuesday night, police along with the arrestees conducted a drive in the area to nab their associates around 3:30 am.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire to police, forcing the law enforcers to fire back in self-defence.

At one stage, police recovered the bodies of Raju and Manik while the others managed to flee the scene.

Police also recovered a pipe gun, two bullets and 200 pieces of Yaba tablets from the spot.

The duo was wanted in several cases including that of murder, drugs and extortion, police said.

Five policemen were injured during the gunfight and provided first aid at Khulna Medical College Hospital.

With the latest, at least 121 people were killed in ‘gunfights’ with members of law enforcement agencies while 37 bodies of suspected drug traders were recovered after reported gun battles between rival groups during the countrywide anti-narcotic drives since 15 May.