Raipur: In a tragic development reported from Maoist-hit Sukma district, an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) attained Veergati after being struck by a strong pressure Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Maoists on June 9.
According to the preliminary information received, the blast occurred when the police officials were out on a foot-patrol on Konta-Errabore road in Sukma district.
The explosion took place near Dondra village on Monday morning, causing severe injuries to ASP, Aakash Rao Giripunje and two other police officials. The injured were immediately rushed to the nearby medical facility at Konta.
#WATCH | Chhattisgarh | Visuals from the site in District Sukma, where a pressure IED blast near Dondra on Konta-Errabora road killed ASP Konta Division, District Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje and injured several other officers and jawans. pic.twitter.com/DO5M9eL3nr
— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025
ASP Giripunje was critically wounded in the blast, prompting swift efforts by the authorities to airlift and shift him to a higher medical facility. Rao however succumbed to his injuries. The other two personnel injured in the attack are reportedly out of danger. They were subsequently referred to Raipur for better treatment.
According to the details, the explosion occurred when officials were inspecting a site near Dondra village along the National Highway 30 after receiving news of arson caused by Maoists on Sunday night. The site of explosion is located between two security camps. Heavy deployment of security personnel have been made and a search operation is underway in the area.
Reacting to the development, Chhattisgarh deputy CM Vijay Sharma said “ASP Konta Division, Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje, sacrificed his life after being injured due to an IED blast near Dondra on Konta-Errabora road. He was a brave jawan and was given several gallantry awards. It is a sad moment for us. Search and operations have been launched.”
#WATCH | Nagpur: Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma says "ASP Konta Division, Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje, sacrificed his life after being injured due to an IED blast near Dondra on Konta-Errabora road. He was a brave jawan and was given several gallantry awards. It is a sad… https://t.co/LquXM3dM9K pic.twitter.com/31PGirfTcU
— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025
Condemning the cowardly act executed by the Maoists, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated “that a big battle is being fought by the security forces against the Maoists in Chhattisgarh and the forces are getting continuous success. Frustrated by this Maoists are committing such cowardly act, they will have to face the consequences of such acts.”
सुकमा में नक्सलियों द्वारा लगाए गए प्रेशर IED विस्फोट में हमारे बहादुर एडिशनल एसपी आकाश राव गिरेपूंजे जी के बलिदानी होने की सूचना अत्यंत दुःखद है।
नक्सलियों के इस कायरता पूर्ण हमले की जितनी भर्त्सना की जाए कम है।
परम पिता परमेश्वर शहीद जवान को अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान देवें एवं… pic.twitter.com/OG16UOSDku
— Arun Sao (@ArunSao3) June 9, 2025
The CM added that the day is not far when Maoists will be wiped out from the state of Chhattisgarh.
The incident took place on the heels of security forces neutralising 7 Maoists in an operation in Indravati Park Area in Bijapur district. Those killed in the encounter included Maoist central committee member Sudhakar alias Gautam and a member of the Telangana state committee of the unlawful group, Bhaskar, carrying a bounty of Rs 45 lakhs.
