THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Sukma, June 9: Sukma district’s Konta Division Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje lost his life after succumbing to injuries sustained in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Monday.
The explosion took place near Dondra along the Konta-Errabora road during a foot patrol aimed at averting Naxalite activity, ahead of a Bharat Bandh call by CPI (M) scheduled for June 10.
According to Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range, P Sundarraj, the blast was triggered by a pressure-activated IED. Several other officers and jawans were also injured in the explosion.
Also Read- Monsoon makes steady progress, light to moderate showers forecast for Jharkhand
All injured personnel, including ASP Giripunje—who was initially reported to be in critical condition—were rushed to the hospital in Konta for treatment.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the tragic death of ASP Giripunje and described him as a courageous officer decorated with numerous gallantry awards.
“ASP Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje, sacrificed his life after sustaining injuries in an IED blast near Dondra on the Konta-Errabora road. He was a brave jawan, honoured with several gallantry awards. It is a deeply saddening moment for us. Search operations have already been launched in the region,” Sharma told reporters.
Earlier in the day, IG Sundarraj had detailed that ASP Giripunje and his team were conducting a foot patrol in the area when the blast occurred. Security forces have since intensified search operations across the affected zone in response to the attack.
