A suspected leader of a forest robber gang was allegedly killed in a gunfight between his cohorts and police at Garaikhali Kumkhali Char in Payekgachha upazila early Monday.
The deceased was identified as Amir Hossain Ranga, 40, alleged leader of forest robber gang ‘Ranga Bahini’ of the area and son of Shafiuddin, a resident of Araipur village in Rupsa upazila.Shikdar Akkas Ali, officer-in-charge of Payekgachha Police Station, said they arrested Ranga from Harichandi village of the same upazila at about 2:00 pm on Sunday.Later, police of Dakop and Payekgachha Police Stations jointly conducted a drive, taking Ranga with them, to recover firearms at Garaikhali Kumkhali Char around 2.30 am on Monday.Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, Ranga’s cohorts fired gunshots, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, which triggered a gunfight and left Ranga seriously injured. However, Ranga’s associates managed to flee the scene. Police took him to Payekgachha upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared him dead around 4:00 am. Two policemen were also injured during the exchange of fire. The body was sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. Later, police recovered two locally-made guns, one foreign pistol, 19 rounds of bullets and some sharp weapons from the spot. Police said Ranga was wanted in several cases, including for murder, kidnapping, and extortion. -UNB, Khulna
