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)
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