Ten fishermen, who were kidnapped by robbers, have been rescued by the Forest Department officers after a gunfight in Takkakhali area in the Sunderbans’s Chunkuri River.

Three boats, a solar panel and one bullet were recovered from the spot.

The rescued fishermen are Abdul Alim, 62, Nur Islam, 45, Rabiul Islam, 28, Hafizur Rahman, 45, Raju Fakir, 47, Shafiqul Islam, 45, Rafiqul Islam, 45, Mafizur, 38, and Nazrul Islam, 57.

Solaiman, station officer of Kadamtala Forest Station in Satkhira range, said being tipped-off they conducted a drive in the river to rescue the fishermen on Sunday afternoon.

Sensing their presence, the robbers opened fire on them, forcing them to fire five rounds of bullet, he said.

At one stage, the robbers fled the scene leaving behind the fishermen.

The rescued fishermen were taken to Burigoalini station of the forest department, he said.

The fishermen alleged the robbers, led by one Manju, kidnapped them from different spots of the forest for ransom.