Police said detectives on Friday arrested Kamal Fakir, 32, a top criminal of Pirojpur, from his hideout in Ranipur in the district.

The police said they were taking Fakir to Kumirmara to seize his firearms and nab his associates when they came under fire.

Fakir died in 'crossfire' while making an attempt to escape when the police were exchanging fire with his gunmen at around 3:30am, they claimed.

Police seized a revolver and a gun with 10 bullets.

Fakir was accused of over 20 criminal offences including murder, extortion and rape, the police said. He committed the crimes during the last five years under cover of godfathers loyal to ruling parties, they added.