Forest robber leader killed in \\\'gunfight\\\'

KHULNA, Dec 27 (UNB): The ringleader of a forest robber gang was killed in a 'gunfight' between his cohorts and police at Sutakhali in Dacope upazila on Friday night.

The deceased was identified as Abul Kashem, leader of the forest robber gang, Kashem Bahini, of the area.

RAB sources said they arrested Abul Kashem from Kalabagi area of the upazila at about 7:00 pm.

Following the confessional statement of Kashem, the elite force conducted a drive along with him to recover firearms in the area at about 8:45 pm.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, Kashem's cohorts fired gunshots in a bid to snatch him, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, which triggered a gunfight.