Chhattisgarh CM pays tribute to ASP Akash Rao Girepunje, vows to end Maoism
RAIPUR:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday paid tribute to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Girepunje, who was killed in an IED blast in Sukma district.
The emotional wreath-laying ceremony was held at the 4th Battalion of Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF) in Mana area in Raipur, where officials and hundreds of citizens gathered to pay their respects. CM Sai, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao, state assembly speaker Raman Singh, and various ministers, participated in the ceremony.
CM expressed his certainty that Naxalism, which claimed the officer's life, is on its last legs and will soon be eradicated.
Girepunje, 42, was killed and two officers injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Konta, Sukma.
The officer's family, including his wife, parents, and two minor children, were present. His 7-year-old son bowed to the mortal remains with folded hands, and a relative carried his 6-year-old daughter in his arms.
After the ceremony, Girepunje's body was taken in a flower-decked mini-truck for last rites at Mahadev Ghat, with hundreds following the procession, chanting slogans in tribute to the slain officer.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Classic Solitaire , Built for Desktop
Play Solitaire
Download
Undo
At the crematorium, his 7-year-old son lit the funeral pyre, a moment that deeply moved those present.
In his remarks, CM Sai stated, 'We have lost a brave and committed officer. Naxalites have resorted to cowardly acts out of frustration. Naxalism is breathing its last, and its end is certain.'
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Home portfolio, praised Girepunje's bravery and commitment to his duty.
He recalled that Girepunje had vowed to stay in Sukma until the Naxal threat in the region was completely eliminated.
Vow to Eradicate Naxalism
Bastar IG P Sundarraj visited the blast site on Tuesday and pledged that the police forces are fully prepared to deal with the Naxal threat. The IG said that the police would not rest until Naxalism is completely removed from Bastar. 'The sacrifice of Akash Rao and other martyrs will not go in vain.
Their legacy will continue to inspire our mission for peace, prosperity, and progress,' he said.
Final Farewell to the Martyr
Akash Rao Girepunje, originally from Raipur, had served as ASP of Konta for over a year and had previously been honoured with a gallantry medal for his dedication to the fight against Naxalism. His family was preparing to celebrate his daughter's birthday, which falls on Wednesday, but the tragic loss has shattered those plans.
The ceremony was marked by emotional scenes, as the community and officials from across the state paid their respects to a fallen hero committed to safeguarding the people of Bastar.
In a show of solidarity, locals in Konta region have expressed anguish over IED blasts and residents have called for Dornapal 'bandh' on Wednesday. Traders and businessmen on Tuesday plan to carry out candle march late Tuesday and a tribute ceremony was also held.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Professional colleges plan to boycott counselling over pending fee reimbursement dues
1 2 3 Hyderabad: With fee reimbursement dues reaching Rs 7,500 crore, all professional college managements are considering boycotting the counselling for various Common Entrance Tests (CETs), including the EAPCET, ICET and LAWCET, and refusing to accept any 'zero fee' admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. The managements of professional colleges have formed a new association, the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Education Institutions (FATHI), to advocate for their cause, demanding that the state clear the dues by Aug 15. The federation includes management from engineering, pharmacy, law, nursing, MBA, MCA and BEd colleges. "All professional colleges are on the verge of closure. We have not received any fee reimbursement in the last three years. If the state does not clear our dues immediately, we won't be able to survive. This is why we have decided not to accept any 'zero fee' admissions and to boycott counselling," said G Nagaiah, general secretary of FATHI. He added that the outstanding fees would total Rs 10,000 crore by next March. According to its members, the association is even considering legal action to recover the dues. "In a class of 60, at least 20 students will be from SC, ST and minority communities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트, 지금 시작하세요 [자세히 보기] 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo They are all eligible for full reimbursement. The Centre released SC/ST and minority funds over the last three years, but we have not received even that amount. Is this not the diversion of funds?" asked K Ramadas from the pharmacy colleges' management association, who is also part of the federation. They stated that, even if the govt allocates seats to students who are eligible for full fee reimbursement, they will not accept their admission unless a student is willing to pay at least 50% of the annual fees before joining the course. Meanwhile, officials from the Telangana Council of Higher Education said that they had tried their best to resolve the issue over the last six months or so. "We tried through different forums. We even recommended that the state clear dues in phases. But nothing has been released to cover fee arrears to date. Now, it is up to the govt to decide, as we too are helpless," the official added.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Udupi student rescues snake, flags forest dept helpline failure in letter to CM
1 2 Udupi: A class 10 student from Udupi is winning hearts for bravely rescuing a snake that entered his home at Kukkikatte, despite not knowing whether it was venomous or not. However, what followed left him disappointed: a complete lack of response from the forest department's wildlife helpline. Deepesh Deepak Shenoy, 14, a student of TA Pai English Medium High School, Kunjibettu, and a member of the Bharat Scouts and Guides (Udupi unit), said the incident took place on June 8 at around 2.24pm, at his residence in Udupi. Deepesh is the son Deepak Shenoy, a finance consultant and Deepa, a tax consultant. In an email addressed to the chief minister, forest minister, and deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Deepesh recounted how he drew on his training as a Scout to respond calmly when a small snake slithered into his house, causing panic among his elderly grandparents, mother, his younger brother and a cousin. "I kept a cool head and, using the guidance I received as a Scout, carefully caught the snake and secured it in a ventilated box, ensuring safety for both my family and the animal," he said. Deepesh, with the help of his father, immediately contacted the wildlife helpline (1926) and was redirected to the local range office. Despite repeated calls, sharing photographs and details, and highlighting the risk to senior citizens in the home, no official assistance was provided, he alleged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Frustrated, he tried to lodge a complaint via the helpline, but it was refused. "This total breakdown in response has shaken our faith in the department responsible for safeguarding both people and wildlife. If this is the norm, citizens may hesitate to seek help in such situations, potentially leading to fatal consequences," he warned. By late afternoon, with no support arriving, Deepesh took it upon himself to release the snake safely after confirming its identity through a local wildlife expert. It was a buff striped keelback, a non-venomous species. Deepesh has now sought an inquiry into the negligence of the concerned forest department officials, urging authorities to ensure that wildlife rescue protocols and helplines function effectively during emergencies.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
CBI books former clerk for demanding Rs7 lakh from accused
Madurai: The CBI, anti corruption branch (ACB) in Madurai recently registered a case against a former lower division clerk of the CBI for demanding a bribe of 7 lakh from an accused to remove his name from the chargesheet filed in connection with an income tax fraud case. K Ramachandran was working as a teacher in a panchayat union primary school in Ramanathapuram district. He won the National Best Teacher Award in 2022. The CBI (ACB) registered a case against Ramachandran, his brother, and others since they conspired together, collected particulars of numerous people, manipulated their signatures, obtained the income tax refund, and swindled the amount. Ramachandran, who was arrested, subsequently obtained bail. According to the FIR, Dinesh Kumar of Haryana, who was working as the then lower division clerk, joined the Madurai CBI (ACB) office in 2022 on transfer. In June 2023, Ramachandran came to the CBI office in Madurai to sign the book for complying with the bail conditions imposed by the Madurai bench of Madras high court. On the same day, Kumar asked Ramachandran to go to a shop near the office. Dinesh demanded 7 lakh bribe from Ramachandran to remove his name from the chargesheet filed by CBI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Huge Home Insurance Reduction For Those Over 49 Yrs Old Smart Lifestyle Trends Learn More Undo Kumar asked Ramachandran to pay 2 lakh in advance for diluting the witness by the investigating officer and to convince the judge to remove his name. Ramachandran recorded a video of the entire conversation between him and Kumar demanding a bribe. After the video appeared on news channels and news in this regard was published in newspapers in Dec 2023, CBI (ACB) conducted a preliminary inquiry. Since it was established that Kumar demanded a bribe from Ramachandran, consent was obtained to prosecute him. Subsequently, the CBI (ACB) registered a case against Kumar for an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act in May.
