Two killed in Sundarbans

Two alleged robbers were killed in a "shootout" with Rapid Action Battalion in Chandpai range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat yesterday.

The dead are Emdadul Hawlader, 34, and Saiful, 24. Emdadul was the ringleader of a robbers' gang, locally known as "Daroga Bahini" and Saiful was its member.

On information that a group of robbers were gathering on a trawler at the Arubaria canal in Chandpai range near the Andharmanik camp, a team of Rab-8 raided the area around 6:50am, said Lt Col Faridul, commanding officer of Rab-8.

"Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire on them prompting Rab to retaliate. The gunfight continued for about 35 minutes," he said.

Manik, a Rab member, was also injured in the incident.

The bullet-riddled bodies of Emdadul and Saiful were found from the spot, Farid said. Their cohorts, however, fled the scene.

The two robbers hailed from Rupsha upazila in Khulna, said Farid quoting local fishermen.

The Rab members recovered 13 firearms, five sharp weapons and 165 bullets from the spot.

Saiful Islam, deputy assistant director of Rab-8, filed two cases with Sharankhola Police Station in this connection.