Khulna: A suspected forest pirate was killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the Panerhat area of the Sundarbans on Wednesday morning.

RAB officials said the deceased Sagir Bhandari was the leader of Nayan Bahani, a forest pirate gang.

RAB 6 commanding officer additional deputy inspector general Rafiqul Haque said a team of RAB officials conducted a drive at Sharankhola range in Panerhat area of Bagherhat in the early hours of Wednesday. The pirates opened fire to the RAB personnel and RAB also fired them back which triggered a gunfight at about 7:30am.

The DIG said Sagir Bhandari received bullet during the 15-minute long gunfight.

Later, Sagir’s bullet-hit body was found on the spot.

RAB 6 operation officer assistant superintendent of police Harunur Rashid said Sagir died after he was taken to Sharankhola Health Complex.

RAB men also recovered machete, five fire arms and seven bullets from the spot.