The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

At least two persons were killed during a robbery in the city's Mirpur early yesterday.

Local people caught red handed one of the robbers and gave him mass beating. Two firearms were also recovered, police said.

One of the deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali, who hailed from Dhamia village under Kotwali thana in Bhola district. He was a resident of House -6 at Road-5 of Bloc-C (New) in Mirpur Section -1. Mohammad Ali was a trader of electronics goods.

Another deceased was identified as garments employee Monir Hossain, who hailed from Boalmari thana in Faridpur district. He was residing at Hasi Villa at Road-5 in 18/E Block of Mirpur Section-1.

The miscreants committed the robbery at the residence of car businessman Jalal Ahmed Sikder, a resident of House-21 at Road-5 of Block-C in Mirpur 1/E under Shah Ali thana. They also looted valuables worth more than Tk 15 lakh, including gold of 35 tolas and cash Tk 2.65 lakh.

Police said a gang of 10 to 12 armed bandits entered Jalal Sikder's residence at about 3 am by cutting the window grill.

Local people said, "The house inmates raised alarm when the bandits were fleeing with the booty. Hearing the hue and cry, neighbours rushed to the scene and chased the bandits."

Sensing danger, 3 to 4 dacoits tried to take shelter at a house in Block-C and opened fire at the people chasing them. Mohammad Ali, who was on way to local mosque to offer Fajr prayers, received a gunshot while Monir Hossain fell from the roof of a three-storied building out of fear during the robbery and also died on the spot.

Meanwhile, local people caught red handed one of the dacoits, Mantu Hawlader, and recovered a revolver and seven rounds of bullet from his possession while others managed to flee. Another revolver and two cartridges were also recovered from the roof of Jalal's house, police said.

Jalal Sikder said that the robbers took about two hours for committing the robbery as they searched the entire house.

He said immediately after the incident, he went to the nearby police station and informed the musallis who came out after offering the Fajr prayers, who ran after the miscreants.

Witnesses said when the musallis chased the robbers, they started firing indiscriminately in which Mohammad Ali was killed.

DMCH sources said Mohammad Ali received bullet at his abdomen and died at 9:30 am. Garment employee Monir received wounds at his chest and head.

Besides, alleged robber Mantu Hawlader was admitted to the DMCH in the morning as his condition was also stated to be critical.

Police said they started a massive hunt to arrest his accomplices.