Dhaka: The alleged ringleader of a pirate gang was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Kutubjom area of Maheshkhali upazila in Cox's Bazar on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased was Mokarram Miah alias Jambu, the kingpin of pirate gang 'Jambu Bahini' and son of Ekhlas of Purbapara Sonadia in the upazila.

His name appeared in the list of top terrorists of Cox's Bazar made by the Home Ministry, said RAB.

Tipped off that members of the 'Jambu Bahini' were taking preparations for committing robbery in Kutubjom area, a team of RAB-7, led by Lt Col Miftah Uddin Ahmed, conducted a drive there around 2:15pm, said a RAB press release.

Sensing the presence of the elite force members, the gangsters opened fire on them, prompting them to retaliate that triggered a gun battle.

After the gunfight, RAB members found bullet-hit Jambu lying on the ground while his cohorts managed to flee.

The gang lynchpin was taken to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead, the release said adding that two RAB members were injured in the gunfight.

The RAB members recovered 44 arms, including one foreign pistol, 23 one-shooter guns and 20 SBBLs, one magazine, 1,215 bullets and 27 magazines from the spot.