The leader of the notorious Chhoto Jahangir gang and 26 of his associates surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard in the Sundarbans on Monday, handing over a cache of firearms and ammunition.

The surrender took place around 5:00pm near Charputia canal under Mongla Police Station in Bagerhat, according to a Coast Guard statement issued yesterday.

The Coast Guard alleged the gang had long been involved in robberies in the Sundarbans and abducting fishermen and bawalis for ransom.

It said the seized arms would be processed under the law, while rehabilitation steps were under way for those who surrendered.

The Coast Guard also said that under “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarban” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”, it has arrested 45 alleged forest robbers, rescued 42 hostages, and seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition.

It urged the remaining forest robbers to surrender, warning that those who continue criminal activities would face legal action.