CPI (Maoist) commander killed in gunfight in Jharkhand
Despite the high-profile killings of Maoists following the launch of Operation Kagar, India's largest counter-insurgency operation, one 'comrade commander' Madvi Hidma has remained elusive.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Setback for forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma: ASP Akash Rao Girepunje killed in Maoist IED blast
In a major setback for security forces, an additional superintendent of police was killed and two police officers injured in an improvised explosive device blast in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The IED was planted by Maoists near Dondra village on Konta-Errabor road. The incident took place when additional superintendent of police (Konta division) Akash Rao Girepunje and others were patrolling on foot after receiving inputs that an earth-mover machine was torched by Maoists in the area, an official said. When the police team reached the spot an IED exploded, causing injuries to ASP Girepunje, sub divisional officer of police Bhanupratap Chandrakar and station house officer Sonal Gwala, he said. All the injured personnel were shifted to Konta Hospital for initial treatment, he said. "Girepunje sustained serious injuries. He succumbed to his injuries during treatment," the official said. The 42-year-old ASP, who hailed from Raipur district, was recruited as deputy superintendent of police in 2013. He was serving as ASP, Konta since 2024, according to Bastar Police. Bastar Range IGP, Sundarraj P, said, "He was one of the bravest personnel of the Chhattisgarh Police who served in Maoist-affected areas like Manpur-Mohla and Sukma. Two other injured officials are reported to be out of danger. They were airlifted to Raipur for further medication." "At present, the Left-Wing Extremists are on the backfoot and the organisation is completely weak. They do not have the courage to face the security forces directly. Therefore, they have resorted to targeting our brave forces and civilians. They have been using IEDs for killing innocent civilians and policemen," Sundarraj said, adding Bastar will be free of Maoists soon. "The Chhattisgarh government, police, all citizens and the police family stand firmly with the family of martyr Girepunje in this hour of grief. His sacrifice will further strengthen our commitment to completely destroy a cruel and conspiratorial organisation like the outlawed CPI (Maoist)," a police statement said. (With Agency Inputs)
The Wire
3 hours ago
- The Wire
Chhattisgarh: Additional SP Killed, Two Officers Injured in IED Blast
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Security Chhattisgarh: Additional SP Killed, Two Officers Injured in IED Blast N. Rahul 5 minutes ago DSP Bhanu Pratap Chandrakar and Inspector Sonhal Gavla, who were injured in the blast, were airlifted for treatment at a hospital in Raipur. Akash Rao Giripunje, Additional SP, was killed in an IED blast in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Special Arrangement Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Hyderabad: At least one police personnel was killed, while two others were injured in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists near Dondra village of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh on Monday morning. The incident took place a day ahead of a nationwide bandh called by the Maoists to protest the encounter killing of Communist Party of India (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Kesava Rao in an encounter in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh on May 21. A 42-year-old additional superintendent of police, identified as Akash Rao Giripunje, succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital in Konta. Rao was a direct recruit DSP of 2013 batch. He was posted at Konta last year. Meanwhile, DSP Bhanu Pratap Chandrakar and Inspector Sonhal Gavla – who were injured in the blast – were given first aid before being airlifted for treatment at a hospital in Raipur. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P. said that their condition was out of danger. The incident happened around 10 AM on May 21 when ASP Rao was leading a police party on foot on Konta-Errabor road. The police were on foot patrol after receiving information that the Maoists had burnt an earth mover in the area. According to Sundarraj, Rao faced the full impact of the explosion as he stepped on the IED pressure bomb. Another senior police officer said the Maoists have planted IEDs deep inside the surface of several roads passing through forests in Chhattisgarh whereas the detection equipment of police are designed to identify explosives only up to a depth of two feet. In this case, it was buried more than five feet below, the officer noted. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said in a post on X warned that the 'Naxalites' will have to face its consequences. 'Our security forces have been fighting a big battle against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh and achieving continuous successes in it. Frustrated by this, the Naxalites have carried out such cowardly acts and they will have to face its consequences. The day is not far when their existence will end in Chhattisgarh,' he said. Sundarraj said any attempt by Maoists to break the morale of the police will fail. 'Our unwavering commitment to root out Maoism has only become stronger after the incident,' he said. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Seven Maoist Leaders Killed in 3-Day 'Encounter'; Rights Groups Allege Brutal Torture 'A Pattern of Calculated Cruelty': Indian Organisations Abroad Condemn Chhattisgarh Encounters CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshava Rao Killed In Encounter in Chhattisgarh Not Even Skeletal Remains, Ashes of N. Keshava Rao and Other Slain Maoists Given to Kin Is the Red Star Setting over India? Adivasis Against Maoism: From Resistance to Negotiation Under-Trial Prisoner Killed by Two Inmates at Saket Court Lock-Up Spotlighting Lax Security Why Aren't Peace Talks With Maoists an Option? Chhattisgarh: Union Govt Must Declare Ceasefire With Maoists; Affected Citizens Must Get a Voice About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Chhattisgarh Cop Dies, Two Officers Injured In Landmine Blast In Sukma
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. In a recent Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, ASP Akash Rao Girpunje was killed by a pressure IED while investigating a prior incident. Two other officers were injured but are stable. His death underscores the ongoing dangers in the region, even in safe areas. Bhopal: In one of the most devastating Maoist attacks in recent times, Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Girpunje died and two other senior police officers seriously injured after a pressure IED blast rocked Chhattisgarh's Sukma district today. The blast took place near Dondra village on the Konta-Errabore road, just 2 km from the town of Konta - a route considered so safe that locals often go there for evening walks. But on this day, the path was anything but safe. Official sources said Maoists had set fire to a Poklain machine near NH-30 late Sunday night. ASP Girpunje and his team, including Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bhanupratap Chandrakar and Station House Officer Inspector Sonal Gwala, proceeded to investigate the incident early this morning. Parking their vehicle on the highway, the officers began patrolling on foot. The Maoists had planted a pressure-activated IED just 100 meters inside the trail. As ASP Akash Rao stepped on it, the blast ripped through the area, fatally injuring him and wounding the two others. The officers were rushed to Konta Hospital for urgent medical attention. But Mr Girpunje, 42, who bore the full impact of the explosion, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. His lower body was severely damaged in the blast. SDOP Bhanupratap Chandrakar and Inspector Sonal Gwala were also injured but are now reported to be out of danger. Both officers are being airlifted to a higher medical facility for advanced care. Akash Rao Girpunje was from Raipur district and was a 2013 batch direct recruit officer who had been serving as Additional SP, Konta, since 2024. Known as one of the most committed and courageous officers in the Chhattisgarh Police force, he had earlier served in Left Wing Exttremist-affected areas like Manpur-Mohla and Sukma, leading critical anti-Maoist operations. Under his tenure, more than five security camps were established in highly sensitive areas of Sukma - a feat that had earned him respect among peers and locals alike. Before joining the police force, he had worked as a Probationary Officer in UCO Bank, and cleared the Chhattisgarh Public Service Examination in his very first attempt in 2012. A Daughter Awaits a Father Who Won't Return In an off-camera conversation with NDTV, Akash Rao's grieving father revealed that his granddaughter Pihu's birthday was just two days away. "Akash had promised to come home to celebrate with the family," he said, holding back tears. That promise, like many others of brave men in uniform, will now remain unfulfilled. His remains are being brought to Raipur, where a guard of honour and state funeral will be held. Top officials from Chhattisgarh Police and the government are expected to be present to pay their final respects. In a statement, the Chhattisgarh Government and Police Headquarters said: "We stand united with the family of our martyr Akash Rao Girpunje in this hour of grief. His sacrifice will further strengthen our resolve to destroy an inhuman and conspiratorial outfit like the CPI (Maoist)." Monday's attack is a grim reminder that even seemingly safe zones in Bastar are still vulnerable to sudden, calculated Maoist strikes. The proximity of the blast site - barely 1 km from a CRPF camp - highlights the sophistication of the ambush.
