2 'robbers' killed in 'gunfight'

Two alleged robbers belonging to a notorious gang were killed in a "gunfight" in Sharankhola range of the Sundarbans early yesterday morning.

The deceased were identified as Yousuf Fakir, second in-command of Abbas Bahini, and gang member Ruhul Amin, police said.

 Hasan Emon Al Rajib, wing commander of Rab-8, told The Daily Star that his team was acting on secret information they had received. The Rab team conducted the drive in the early hours of Wednesday in Katler Khal area of Baleswer where members of Abbas Bahini were hiding.

 Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire on them forcing the force members to retaliate. The "gunfight" started at around 7:45am and lasted for about 45 minutes.

Two alleged robbers were killed during the gunfight, he added.

"We also recovered seven local and foreign firearms and 124 bullets from the spot. The other members of the gang managed to flee," the wing commander of Rab-8 said.