Dhaka: A man was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Ashulia of Savar, at the outskirts of Dhaka, in the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased is Russel Dewan, in his late thirties, a resident of Niribili area of Ashulia.

The Ashulia police Officer-in-charge (OC) Mohsinul Kadir said police arrested Russel on Saturday night and took him along to an operation for recovering arms in the Cherigram of Ashulia. Russel’s associate opened fire to police as soon as they reached the spot. Police also fired back which triggered a gunfight between them at about 3:00am. Russel was caught in the line of fire and was taken to the Ganashastha Centre in Savar in critical condition. Later, he was shifted to Savar Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.

The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police also claimed to recover a pistol, some bullets, and shells of bullets from the spot.

Dhaka Superintendent of Police (SP) Shah Mizan Rafiur Rahman said Russel was wanted in a total of fourteen cases including murder, extortion, drugs, arms with Savar and Ashulia polices. He was one of the listed top criminals of the area.

It has been known that Russel was involved with Awami League. He was primarily known as the general secretary of Worker’s League. Later, he jointed Juba League.

The Juba League Central Organising Secretary Faruque Hassan Tuhin said Russel was a criminal and self-proclaimed Juba League leader. He used to mention himself as a Juba League leader in banners and posters, but he has no position in the party.

However, while talking about Russel’s political identity the Ashulia police OC said criminals do not belong to any political party.