Two alleged criminals, including an outlaw, were killed during 'shoot-outs' between their accomplices and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in two separate incidents in the capital and Pabna yesterday.

The dead are Osman Gani alias Sagor, 30, an accused in at least 13 cases including those for murders, robbery and extortion in the capital, and Amjad Hossain, Pabna regional leader of the outlawed

Purbo Banglar Communist Party (ML, Lal Pataka).

Acting on a tip off, members of Rab-1 arrested Osman at Bahadur Shah Park of old Dhaka on Wednesday.

Following his confessional statement, a Rab-1 team raided Mohammadpur to nab Osman's accomplices and recover hidden arms and ammunition at about 3:45am yesterday, said a Rab press release.

As the team reached near the park Udayan Char at Iqbal Road, some unknown criminals opened fire on them forcing the law enforcers to retaliate.

Osman fell in the line of fire while trying to escape during the shootout, while the criminals retreated, the press release said, adding, that the doctors declared him dead when he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

Rab recovered a foreign pistol and three bullets from the spot.

Osman was also the chief coordinator of Dhaka's underworld, the Rab said.

Meanwhile, Osman's elder brother Humayun Kabir told the press that Rab arrested his brother when he came to appear before a court, claiming that Osman had been reformed. "All the cases filed against him were political and he quit his earlier life one year back after spending four years in prison," he added.

PABNA SHOOTOUT

PBCP (ML-Lal Pataka) leader Amjad Hossain was killed in 'crossfire' in Ataikula upazila of the district when his accomplices opened fire on Rab team triggering a gunfight.

Being informed, Rab members of Pabna camp raided and arrested Amjad at Tebaria village on Wednesday, Rab said.

Following his confessional statements, Rab members took him to the Tebaria village again at about 3:30am yesterday to capture his cohorts and recover arms.

But as soon as they entered into the village, unidentified criminals ambushed the law enforcers in a bid to snatch their leader Amjad. Rab also fired backin defence.

Amjad received bullet when he was

trying to flee during the shootout. His cohorts managed to escape.

The doctors declared him dead when Rab members took him to Pabna General Hospital.

Two pipe guns, two rounds of bullet and sharp weapons were recovered from the scene.

According to Rab, Amjad was accused in seven cases, including two for murder.