Robber killed in 'gunfight'

An alleged forest robber was killed in a “gunfight” with Rapid Action Battalion in Sharankhola range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat early yesterday.

The deceased, Khalilur Rahman Majhi, 32, was the second-in-command of a robber gang locally known as “Manir Bahini”, claimed Rab-8 officials.

Khalil was a resident of Patharghata upazila in Barguna. His family claimed that he used to work on a fishing trawler.

Rab-8 Commanding Officer Lt Col Faridul Alam said a Rab team raided Darjar Khal area early yesterday after being tipped off that the gang gathered there.

As the Rab team entered the canal, the gang members opened fire on them. Rab retaliated with gunfire, triggering a 30-minute gunfight, he said.

At one stage, the gang members fled. The Rab men then searched the spot and recovered the body of Khalil.

They also recovered four single-barrelled guns, a double-barrelled gun, three sawed-off shotguns, three light guns, an airgun, various ammunition, six sharp weapons, mobile phone and tokens for collecting ransom from the spot.

Khalil's body was handed over to his wife after an autopsy at Bagerhat Sadar Hospital.

Two cases were filed in this connection.