Officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station Abir Mohammad Hossain said a team of police, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Shahjahan, conducted a drive in Purakata Ferryghat area around 4:15am on information that several murder accused were staying there.
Sensing the presence of law enforcers, criminals launched an attack on them forcing them to fire shots in self-defence, he said.
A criminal was found lying dead on the spot after the gun battle, the OC said, adding that locals later identified him as Nayon Bond.
Four police personnel, including the additional SP, were also injured in the incident, Abir claimed.
Besides, a three-member medical board headed by Barguna General Hospital’s Dr Sohrab Hossain, conducted a post-mortem examination on Nayon. Dr Sohrab said three bullets were removed from the body.
Later, the body was later handed over to Nayon’s family.
Rifat, 22, was hacked to death by criminals in front of his wife Ayesha Siddika Minni in broad daylight in the district town on June 26. The incident was caught on surveillance camera.
Nine people, including six FIR-named accused, have so far been arrested over the murder.
On Monday, two accused –- Mohammad Oli and Tanvir Hossain -- reportedly confessed before a court here to their involvement in the killing.
The court also granted a five-day remand for Nazmul Hasan, Saimun and Sagar for interrogation over the gruesome murder.