Two suspected robbers were killed, and their five associates injured in a mass beating in Shariatpur last night, police said, quoting locals.

Meanwhile, nine civilians were wounded when robbers opened fire after being chased by the locals.

Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Md Nazrul Islam said the injured robbers and civilians are receiving treatment at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, while two critically injured victims have been transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Police said a group of seven robbers entered Rajarhat of Madaripur’s Kalkini Upazila around 8:30 pm. After being chased by locals, the robbers fired indiscriminately, injuring seven people in Madaripur and two in the bordering Shariatpur district.

Of the injured, five are being treated at Madaripur Sadar Hospital, while three at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. And another was discharged after initial care.

While fleeing via the Kirtinasha river, the robbers were intercepted by enraged locals in Tetulia area of Domsar union under Shariatpur’s Sadar upazila and severely beaten.

On information, Palong police had set up checkpoints at various locations, and later, police and army personnel arrived at the scene, transporting the injured and deceased to the hospital.

Shariatpur SP Nazrul said the five wounded robbers were brought to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital around 12:30 am Saturday, while doctors confirmed the deaths of two after their bodies were sent to the hospital at 1:00 am.

A local weapon was recovered from the scene and will be confiscated through legal procedures, he added.

Dr Muntasir Khan, emergency department physician at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, said four injured civilians, including gunshot victims, were brought to the hospital around 9:30 pm. Two in critical condition were transferred to Dhaka Medical College, while one remains under treatment and the other was discharged.

Filing of a case in this regard is underway, police said.

(In association with Asia News Network)