Three police personnel, including Officer-in-Charge Samsad Ansari, besides a Naxalite and a villager were killed on Saturday in an encounter in Dumka district.

The encounter took place in a jungle located between Makropahari and Pokhria under Sikaripara police station.

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

DIG R K Mulklick 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.

A villager also fell victim, he said, adding that another Naxalite was arrested on the spot.

Official sources at Dumka said a police team carried out long-range patrolling and on reaching the spot where the Maoist Communist Centre ultras were hiding, the OC asked them to surrender.

The Naxalites immediately opened fire and the bullets hit the OC's face.

Superintendent of Police Sido Hembram rushed to the spot with reinforcement and the encounter concluded at about 1000 hours.

Police recovered two rifles from the spot, the sources added.