An alleged robber was killed in a “gunfight” with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members in Sharankhola range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat early yesterday.

Deceased Md Moktar Mollah was the second-in-command of Sundarban-based robber gang which calls itself “Liton Bahini”, Rab sources said.

The dead body was sent to Sharankhola Police Station of the district, commanding officer of Rab-8 Lt Col Akhtaruzzaman said.

Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the gang members opened fire on them around 8:15am, forcing the elite force to retaliate which triggered a gunfight. Several gunshots were traded between the criminals and Rab team during the 35-minute fight, according to a press release of Rab-8.

The law enforcers found the bullet-hit body of Moktar on the spot while other gang members managed to flee the scene, the press release said.

It said 21 local and foreign-made firearms, 37 bullets and other daily essentials were found at the spot.