‘Robber’ killed in Khulna ‘gunfight’

A suspected forest robber was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Vayrar Khal area in Koyra upazila on Tuesday night.

The deceased was identified as Gama Mandal, 40, a resident of Sarappur village in Dumuria upazila. He was the second-in-command of notorious forest robber gang "Munna Bahini".

Police said members of Munna Bahini abducted some 11 fishermen from several areas of Sundarbans three days back.

On information, a team of police conducted a drive in Vayrar Khal area on the bank of the Pangasia River around 8:30 pm, said officerin-charge of Koyra Police Station Enamul Haque.

Sensing the presence of the police team, the bandits opened fire to the law enforcers.

In retaliation, police fired back, leaving Gama bullet injured, the OC added.

Later, the bullet-hit robber was taken to Koyra Upazila Health Complex where he succumbed to his injuries around 11:30 pm.

Police rescued the 11 abducted fishermen and recovered two boats, two rifles and five bullets from the spot.