RAJSHAHI: A leader of an outlawed extremist group, Elahi Bax alias Mithu, 25, was killed in a shootout with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel in Goalkandi area of Bagmara upazila early Wednesday.

“Mithu was the regional commander of Chapainawabganj district Purba Banglar Communist Party ‘Lal Pataka’ gang,” said Bagmara RAB-5 camp-in-charge ASP Shahajahan.

One American-made pistol, two bullets and two knives were recovered from the spot after the late-night shootout, the RAB unit said about the outcome of the operation.

A source in the RAB unit told banglanews24.com.bd that, acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB-5 raided Goalkandi area at about 3:30am while Mithu and his associates were holding a secret meeting.

“Sensing the presence of the elite force, the outlaws opened fire on them. In retaliation, they also fired back. At one stage of the exchange of fire for five to six minutes, Mithu was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot. His cohorts, however, managed to flee the scene.” said the RAB version of the encounter.   

ASP Shahjahan told banglanews24.com.bd that Mithu was wanted in several cases, including two murder cases, pending with Bagmara thana and Atrai thana in Naogaon.

BDST: 1103 HRS, AUG 25, 2010.