Two alleged pirates were killed in “gunfight” with elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Noakhali in the early hours of Tuesday.
The incident took place at Chotolarghat of Boyrarchar at Hatia upazila in the district.
The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam, the kingpin of pirate gang ‘Saiful Bahini’ and his associate Sofiq.
A foreign made pistol, firearms, some bullets, 37 mobile phones and 10 rocket players have been recovered from the spot.
Md. Jashim Uddin Chowdhury, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police of Rab-11, told Jagonews24.com that, “Acting on a tip-off that a gang of pirates were taking preparation to commit robbery in the area, a team of Rab launched a drive there.”
“Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the gang members opened fire at them, forcing the Rab personnel to retaliate that triggered a “gun battle”.”
At one stage, the two pirates were caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, he added.