Murder, rape suspect dies in ‘shootout with’ RAB in Chittagong

A man with alleged ties to a series of criminal cases has been killed in what RAB has described as a shootout in Chittagong’s Sitakunda.

Chittagong bureaubdnews24.com
Published : 12 March 2018, 07:06 AM
Updated : 12 March 2018, 07:06 AM

The shootout was reported from a remote area of the Upazila, known as Jungle Salimpur, early on Monday, said Ashekur Rahman, deputy director of RAB-7.  

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Kalu Mia, who is named in at least 12 cases over murder, rape and robbery, according to RAB. 

The shootout erupted during a RAB search of the jungle, Rahman said.

“Sensing the presence of RAB, the criminals opened fire, forcing RAB to retaliate. One was struck in the shootout. He was identified afterwards as Kalu.” 

A firearm, ammunitions and local weapons were recovered from the scene.

Locals in the Jungle Salimpur hills have illegally constructed 40,000 houses.

A group that identifies itself as a defender of slum dwellers’ rights has established 11 zones in the area, making up an ‘impenetrable kingdom’.

The area has 12 mosques, four madrasas, three primary schools, a high school, three kindergartens, three orphanages, six graveyards, five temples, a church, a crematorium and a market.

Residents of the area have to pay the ‘group’ for permission to build houses. Many criminals have taken shelter in the remote forest area which lacks much government supervision in order to avoid arrest.

Since 2004, a power struggle has been brewing over the illegal residents. In 2010, two local gangs led by Lal Badsa and Ali Akkas clashed.

Gazi Sadekur Rahman and General Kazi Mosiur, leaders of the group, gained power over the slum dwellers after the death of gang leader Ali Akkas in a 2010 shootout.