An alleged robber was killed in a "gunfight" with the Rapid Action Battalion at Arbania in the Sundarbans yesterday morning.

The dead, Abdur Rouf, 42, was the chief of Sundarbans-based robber gang "Choto Majnu Bahini". On surrender of Majnu, chief of Majnu Bahini, along with his some accomplices to law enforcers, Rouf had declared himself as the chief of "Choto Majnu Bahini", says Rab.

Enayet Hossain Mannan, company commander of Rab-1, told The Daily Star that acting on information, Rab members raided Jongla, Bhadra and Arbania areas in the Sundarbans in the morning.

Sensing their presence, Rouf and his cohorts opened fire on them around 9:30am. Rab members then returned fire, triggering a "gunfight".

After the "gun battle", Rab members found Rouf lying on the spot. He was taken to Dacope Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.

Three days ago, members of "Choto Majnu Bahini" fired on some forest officials in Kalabogi area, leaving forest official Shyama Prosad injured, said Rab official Mannan.

Two policemen were injured in the "gunfight" and they took first aid, the Rab official added.

Rab also claimed to have recovered a rifle, 15 bullets and a sharp weapon from the spot.