3 pirates killed in 'shootout'

Three pirates were killed and two Rapid Action Battalion members injured in a “shootout” between the law enforcers and pirates in the river Baleshwar near Chardoani in Patharghata upazila early yesterday.
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Rab and Coast Guard conducted a drive in the area at about 2:00 am and challenged a trawler carrying 15-20 pirates of Raju Bahini.
The pirates were heading towards deep-sea area to commit piracy.
Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the pirates opened fire on them, prompting the elite force to fire back.
Three pirates--Kuddus Mollah, the leader of the gang, Aroj Ali and Idris Ali died on the spot during the exchange of fire while their cohorts managed to escape.
Flight Lt Shamim and Nayek Faruk Hossain of Rab were injured during the gunfight.
They were rushed to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
The joint force recovered 10 firearms, including five guns, four LGs, one air gun, 47 rounds of bullet and some sharp weapons from the spot.
Lt Hasanuzzaman, station commander of Patharghata Coast Guard, confirmed the incident and said the deceased pirates hailed from Bagerhat and Khulna districts.