The chief of Bellal Bahini has been killed in a ”gunfight” with law enforcers at Shoronkhola upazila in Bagerhat.
The deceased is Bellal Firozi, 35, son of Khokon Firozi of South Shoralia village and the chief of the forest bandit group Bellal Bahini.
Meanwhile, Bellal's associate Forhad Munshi, 37, was also bullet wounded in the ”gunfight” that took place at a abandoned house in Shoronkhola Bazar area early Monday.
Shoronkhola OC Md Rezaul Karim Shokal said: ”Acting on a tip-off, a joint team consisting of the members of Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guards and police conducted the drive.”
"Sensing our presence, the forest bandits opened fire on us,” he said.
In retaliation, the law enforcers fired back that triggered a ”gunfight.”
At a stage, the members of the team entered the house and found the two bullet wounded.
Later, the on-duty doctor declared Bellal dead when they were taken to Shoronkhola Health Complex.
Police also recovered three firearms and 500 rounds of ammunition from the house.
The OC said Bellal's body has been sent to Bagerhat sadar morgue for autopsy.
