Bagerhat: A suspected forest robber was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Aambaria area under Swarankhola range of Sundarbans on Tuesday morning.

Identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.

Rab Barisal-8 Deputy Commander Sajibul Islam said a Rab team carried out a drive in the area around 5:00 am.

Sensing the presence of the Rab personnel, members of the robbers’ gang opened fire on them, forcing the Rab members to retaliate that triggered a gunfight, he said.

Several gunshots were traded between the gang and Rab members during the 25-minute gun battle. One robber was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, the commander added.

The Rab team also recovered three firearms and 23 rounds of bullets from the spot.

Rab handed over the body to the police and then it was sent to Sadar Hospital for autopsy, said Kabirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Swarankhola Police Station.

Two cases were filed against unknown robbers with the police station in this connection, the OC added.