7 hours ago
Chhattisgarh: Sukma ASP Akash Rao Giripunje killed in IED blast, 2 cops injured
Akash Rao Giripunje
RAIPUR: An Additional SP was killed and at least two cops severely injured in a major pressure IED blast planted by Maoists targeting security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district in Bastar on Monday morning.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje who sustained critical injuries in the blast, succumbed soon after the incident, officials told TOI.
The incident took place near Dondra village on the Konta–Errabore road earlier today.
According to police sources, ASP Giripunje was on foot patrol duty as part of a pre-emptive security operation ahead of the Bharat Bandh called by CPI (Maoist) on June 10.
The patrol was aimed at thwarting any potential Maoist disruption in the highly sensitive region.
During the operation, a pressure-activated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off, resulting in serious injuries to ASP Giripunje and causing harm to several other officers and security personnel accompanying him. Immediate assistance was rushed to the site, and the injured were transported to Konta Hospital for medical attention.
ASP Akash Rao's condition was reported to be extremely critical and fragile, prompting swift efforts to airlift and shift him to a higher medical facility for advanced treatment. But he couldn't be saved, an officer confirmed to TOO.
Other injured personnel are currently stated to be out of immediate danger, officials said.
This incident comes at a time when security forces are on high alert across the Bastar region.
Senior police officials have condemned the attack and reiterated the force's commitment to counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Further details and a comprehensive report are awaited.
