Sundarbans, Sept 12 (V7N) – The Coast Guard has arrested two members of the notorious Ranga gang and rescued nine fishermen held hostage in the Shibsa River area of the Sundarbans. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, Coast Guard media officer in Dhaka, said intelligence reports indicated that the Ranga gang had captured several fishermen in Adachhagi, Shibsa River. Acting on this information, a Coast Guard team launched a raid around 5:00 a.m. on Friday. Upon sensing the team’s presence, the bandits attempted to flee but were intercepted.

During the operation, authorities seized two single-barrel guns, two live rounds, eight blank cartridges, three homemade firearm-making kits, and one locally made weapon. Two gang members were arrested, and the nine fishermen held hostage were freed.

The rescued fishermen reported that they had entered the Sundarbans on September 3 for fishing and crab collection. On Thursday night, the Ranga gang captured them, demanding ransom. All rescued fishermen are residents of different areas in Dakop Upazila, Khulna.

Preliminary questioning revealed the arrested bandits as Nasir Molla, 31, and Mintu Sardar, 40, residents of Bagerhat and Khulna districts. They have long been involved with the Ranga gang, supplying weapons, ammunition, and logistical support for robberies.

Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq affirmed that the Coast Guard will continue such operations to make the Sundarbans free from bandit activity and ensure the safety of local fishermen.

END/AHS/SMA/