Two robbers, including the kingpin of a gang, were killed in a “gunfight” with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Chandpai range of Sundarbans in Bagerhat yesterday.
The dead are Mortuza Hossain Rana, 32, of Joymoni village and his associate Mosaref Sheikh, 30, of Ghol village under Mongla upazila. Maj Anwarul Kabir, deputy commander of Rab-8, said a patrol team of Rab went to the east side of the Shela river on information that the robbers had abducted at least five fishermen for ransom.
Sensing Rab presence around 7:50am, Mortuza, the linchpin of Mortuza Bahini (gang), and his cohorts opened fire prompting the law enforcers to return fire.
During the gunfight that continued for over half an hour Rab shot at least 300 bullets, the Major said.
Rab members recovered 15 firearms, including seven light guns, two rifles, two double-barreled rifles, one shutter gun, 27 bullets, 25 cartridges, one binoculars and Tk 19,672 from the spot.
Maj Anwarul said the Mortuza Bahini, since its formation, had been abducting fishermen, Bawali (reeds collectors) and honey collectors for ransom.
-With The Daily Star input
