Two pirates killed in Sundarbans gunfight

BAGERHAT: At least two pirates were killed in a gunfight with a joint team of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and coastguard in Nishankhali area of the Sundarbans under Dakope upazila here on Saturday. 

The joint team also recovered 14 firearms, including six shutter guns, three riffles, 142 rounds of bullets, one wireless set and 18 mobile phones, from their possession after the two-hour gunfight.

The pirates were identified as Masum, 30, and Abdul Mannan, 38, and members of Raju Bahini, a bandit group based in the Sundarbans.

Sources said notorious Raju Bahini, Al-Amin Bahini and Gama Bahini, kidnapped 120 fishermen along with 18 fishing trawlers and looted cash, fish, fishing nets from different coastal areas from last September to October.

Moreover, at least 300 robbers of 10-strong groups are active and they often commit crime in the forest. 

Rab and coastguard members conducted a drive in Nishankhali area to rescue the abducted fishermen. Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the pirates opened fire on the law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate.

Later, the joint team recovered two bullet-hit bodies and recovered the firearms.

However, the other members of the gangs managed to flee the scene.

Source: Daily Sun