3 Sundarbans robbers killed in 'gunfight' with Rab

Three alleged robbers were killed in a “gunfight” with Rapid Action Battalion in Sharankhola range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat yesterday morning.

The deceased are Zakaria, 30, Zulfiqar Sheikh, 35, and Khokon Minar, 33,said Kabirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Sharankhola Police Station.

The “gunfight” ensued when members of a notorious robber gang, locally known as “Suman Bahini”, opened fire on a Rab team in Shukhpara Char around 8:40am.

The law enforcers recovered four firearms and 39 bullets from the spot. The bodies and arms would be handed over to Sharankhola Police Station. The bodies would then be shifted to Bagerhat Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, the official said.

Another alleged robber was killed in what naval police said was a gunfight in Sharankhola range on January 9.

The deceased, Farid, 38, was the second-in-command of a robber gang, locally known as “Chhoto Bahini”, OC Kabirul said.

On receiving information about an abducted fisherman, a team of naval police went to the Sundarbans. Somehow sensing their presence, the members of the robber gang fired shots at them. The policemen fired in retaliation, triggering the gunfight.

After half an hour of the alleged “gunfight”, the robbers fled, leaving Farid's body on the spot, he said.

The naval police also rescued six kidnapped fishermen from the area. They are -- Pratul Haldar, 28, son of Nidod Halder of Khaserdanga village under Mongla upazila, Hafiz Hawladar, 25, son of Sattar Hawlader of Joymani village, Shah Abul Fakir, 28, son of Ismail Fakir of South Badhal village of Sharankhola upazila, Sumon Khan 20, son of Ismail Khan of Uttara Rajapur village, Sumon Akon, 28, son of Mofazzal Akon of the same village, and Israfil Palwan, son of Ruhul Palwan of Ratiarajapur of Sharankhola upazila, added the OC.