Cox’s Bazar: An alleged forest robber was killed in a reported gunfight with forest guards at Meherghona forest beat under North Forest Division in the district on Friday.

The deceased was identified as Mostak Ahmed, 37, son of Mohammad of the area.

Tipped off that a group of forest robbers was felling trees at Meherghona forest beat, forest guards went to the spot in the morning, said Cox’s Bazar Sadar Range Officer of South Forest Division Mehedi Hasan.

Sensing their presence, the hoodlums opened fire on them and stabbed some of them, prompting the forest guards to fire back in self-defence.

Mostak was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, Mehedi said, claiming that five forest guards also sustained bullet wounds in the gun battle.

Divisional Forest Officer of Cox’s Bazar (South) Mahbub Morshed said the injured were first taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital and then moved to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.