The ringleader of a pirate gang was killed in a reported gunfight between his cohorts and members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Mrigmari of the Sundarbans in Mongla upazila early Friday. Lieutenant Colonel Faridul Alam, commanding officer of Barisal Rab-8, said acting on secret information that some fishermen were kidnapped by a gang of pirates, a team of Rab-8 conducted a drive near the Shela River of the Sundarbans at night. When the elite force reached Mrigmari area around 6:15 am, some pirates opened fire to them, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate, triggering a gunfight. At one stage, Alam alias Alam Khan, 45, the ringleader of infamous pirate gang ‘Alam Bahini’, was caught in the line of fire during the half an hour long battle while his other associates managed to get away. Later, Rab members recovered the body. Twelve firearms, 209 bullets, huge sharp weapons and a solar panel were also seized. The body and the seized items will be handed over to Mongla Police Station, said Faridul Alam. — Bagerhat, May 6 (UNB)
