Superintendent of Police Sonia Narang told Deccan Herald that the gang, wanted in several dacoity and robbery cases in Belgaum district and neighbouring districts, had stolen a car under Katkol police station limits in Belgaum district, was  heading towards Kittur.

Narang said acting on a tip off,  a police party chased the gang. On seeing the police,  the gang members turned back   and began heading towards Alnavar in Dharwad district.

The police chased the vehicle and when one of the dacoits opened fire, the police  returned the fire,  killing one of them.  Four others  who were in the car got out of the vehicle and fled.

The dead dacoit has been identified as Mallikarjun Kumbar (23) of Ramdurg.