UNB, Bagerhat: Two alleged forest robbers were killed in a ‘gunfight’ with members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Nandabala Khal area of the East Sundarbans under Chandpai Range in Mongla upazila early Sunday. The deceased were identified as Alamgir,35, and Ripon,30. Barisal Rab-8 commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Faridul Alam said on a tip-off that forest robber gang ‘Maijhya Bahini’ was in a position to commit robbery in the area, a team of the elite force launched a drive there at about 5:10 am. Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the gang members opened fire on them, forcing them to fire back that triggered a gunfight. Several gunshots were traded during the 30-minute gun battle. Later, the robbers disappeared into deep forest. Upon conducting a search inside the forest, the force noticed bodies of two robbers lying and recovered those. The deceased Alamgir and Ripon were wanted in several cases including for robbery, Lt Col Faridul added. They also recovered 13 firearms and 100 rounds of bullet from the spot. The Rab members handed over the bodies to Mongla Police Station. A case was field in this connection.
