Dhaka, 29 April (H.S.):

Notorious mafia kingpin

Khandokar Noyeem Ahmed Titon (50) was shot dead on Tuesday night in Dhaka's New Market area. Dhaka police suspect underworld operatives carried out the hit.

Son of KM Fakhruddin from Sultan Gang in Jigtola, Hazaribagh, Titon had long been synonymous with terror in Dhaka. According to police, he ranked second on the list of Bangladesh's 23 most dreaded criminals.

As per a Dhaka Tribune report, Sub-Inspector Md. Shahadat Hossain of New Market thana stated that the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) confirmed the body's identity through fingerprint analysis. Dhaka's Additional Police Commissioner NN Md. Nazrul Islam revealed that Titon was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being shot but was declared dead by doctors.

He noted that Titon featured on the 2001 list of 23 top criminals and had spent considerable time behind bars. Released on bail on August 13 last year, he had been absconding since his bail period expired. We believe this murder was orchestrated by underworld elements, he added.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the attack occurred around 8 p.m. behind New Market, in front of Shah Nawaz Hall at Dhaka University. Two assailants on a motorcycle unleashed a hail of bullets before fleeing. Titon collapsed wounded on the street. Locals gave chase but the attackers escaped. Md. Mezbah Rahman, who helped transport Titon to the medical college, said the gunmen wore caps and masks.

Inspector Md. Faruk, in-charge of the police outpost at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, reported multiple bullet wounds on the body, including one that pierced clean through the head. Assistant Police Commissioner (New Market Zone) Md. Nasim A. Gulshan confirmed police visited the scene and are collecting CCTV footage from surrounding areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar