Cox’s Bazar: A suspected pirate was killed in a reported gunfight with member of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Magnama in Pekua upazila early Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Tarek, 30, son of Abdus Shukkur of Uttar Dhurong in Kutubdia, reports the UNB.

Tipped off, a team of Rab-7 conducted a drive in the area where two gangs of pirates thronged for sharing ransom money, said Rab-7 camp company commander Major Mehedi Hasan.

Sensing presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire to Rab members forcing them to fire back in self-defense.

At one stage, Tarek caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, said Rab.

Didarul Ferdous, officer-in-charge of Kutubdia Police Station, said Tarek was a listed criminal and was wanted in five cases including that of arms and robbery.

One pistol, two one shutter guns and 23 cartridges were recovered from the spot.