Three policemen among 5 killed in encounter with Naxals

Dumka/Ranchi, Apr 26 (UNI) At least five people, including three police personnel, were killed in an encounter with Naxalites in a jungle in Dumka district today.

Police said the dead included Officer-in-Charge of Sikaripara police station Samsad Ansari, besides two ultras.

They said one of the ultras was earlier identified as a local villager.

OC Samsad Ansari was a receipient of the President's Award for his outstanding service and posted at the Naxal-dominated area.

The other two policemen were Ramdayal Paswan and Naseem Ansari, while one of the ultras was identifed as Karu Paharia, police said.

Another ultra identified as Manoj Dehri was also arrested after the fierce encounter which continued for about seven hours.

DIG R K Mullick and police spokespersons told UNI in Ranchi that the OC of Sikaripara police station and two constables were killed in the encounter that began at about 0300 hours in the jungles located between Makropahari and Pokhria under Sikaripara police station in the district.

Official sources at Dumka said a police team was carrying out long-range patrolling and on reaching the spot where the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) ultras were hiding, the OC asked them to surrender. But the rebels opened fire and the bullets hit the OC's face.

Superintendent of Police Sido Hembram rushed to the spot with reinforcement. The encounter concluded at about 1000 hours. Police recovered two rifles from the spot, the sources added.

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