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Fatal Incident in Sukma District

On Monday, an explosion caused by suspected Maoists in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh resulted in the death of an additional police superintendent. According to reports, two other police officers sustained injuries in the blast.

Details of the Explosion

The police reported that the incident occurred when officers, including Akash Rao Giripunje and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bhanupatrap Chandraakar, were responding to a report of a fire set by Maoists on an earth-moving machine. While they were on foot in the Konta area, a pressure bomb detonated near Dondra village on the Konta-Erraabor road, injuring ASP Akash Rao, Chandraakar, and Inspector Sonal Gawla. The injured officers were initially taken to Konta hospital, where Giripunje succumbed to his injuries.

Condolences from the Chief Minister

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his sorrow over the death of ASP Giripunje, stating that the Maoists will face consequences for their actions. In a post on social media, he lamented the loss of Giripunje, calling it a tragic sacrifice, and acknowledged that other officers were also injured in this cowardly attack.

Instructions for Medical Care

The Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He emphasized that security forces are engaged in a significant battle against Maoists in Chhattisgarh, achieving continuous success, which has led to desperate acts from the insurgents. He assured that the day is not far when the Maoist presence in Chhattisgarh will be eradicated.

Tributes from the Deputy Chief Minister

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma also paid tribute to Giripunje, confirming that he was critically injured in the explosion and later died during treatment. Sharma, who oversees the Home Department, urged the Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream to contribute to societal development.

Profile of the Fallen Officer

Akash Rao, aged 42, hailed from Raipur district and was a 2013 batch officer in the state police. He had been serving as the additional police superintendent in Konta since 2024 and was recognized as one of the bravest officers in the Chhattisgarh police, having worked in Maoist-affected areas like Manpur-Mohla and Sukma. The other injured officers, Chandraakar and Gawla, are reported to be out of danger and are being airlifted to Raipur for advanced treatment.

Final Honors for ASP Akash Rao

The body of Akash Rao will be brought to Raipur for a guard of honor and final rites. A statement from the police indicated that the Chhattisgarh government, police headquarters, and the entire police family stand firmly with the bereaved family during this time of mourning. His sacrifice strengthens the commitment to eradicate brutal organizations like the CPI (Maoist).

Government's Stance on Dialogue

In an interview, Deputy Chief Minister Sharma remarked on the tragic incident, stating that Giripunje was a courageous officer who had received a bravery award. He noted that any potential dialogue between the government and Maoists should not lead to such violent incidents. The government has made it clear that it does not wish to engage in violence, urging Maoists to join the mainstream and take advantage of rehabilitation programs to contribute to the nation's development.

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