'Notorious robber' killed in 'gunfight' with Rab

A "notorious robber" was killed in a "gunfight" with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Moghnama area in Pekua upazila of Cox's Bazar early yesterday.

Tarek, 30, was killed in an exchange of fire during a raid at around 4:00am, Rab claimed.

The elite force also recovered a locally made pistol, two one-shooter guns, 23 rounds of bullets and four bullet cartridges from the spot, Cox's Bazar Camp Company Commander of Rab-7 Major Md Mehedi Hasan confirmed yesterday.

The company commander of Rab-7 said the robber and his gang recently hijacked a number of fishing boats.

They have been collecting ransom from owners of the boats, he added.

Rab had information that the robbers were coming to take ransom from the boat owners at Moghnama Ghat area yesterday morning, the official said, adding that upon receiving the information they raided the spot.

Sensing their presence, robbers opened fire on them, and the law enforcers retaliated, the Rab official said.

Later, Rab members recovered the body of Md Tarek, the arms and ammunition from the spot, he claimed.

The body was sent to Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital for autopsy.

According to the Rab commander, Tarek was an active member of notorious robber gang "Didar Bahini" of Kutubdia.

After Didar was killed in a gunfight a month back, Tarek took over control of the gang. He is accused in four cases with different police stations in Cox's Bazar for robbery and possessing illegal arms.