Senior Police Officer Killed, Two Injured in Naxal IED Blast in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma District
A senior police officer was martyred and two others were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites detonated during a routine patrol operation in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Monday, authorities confirmed.
The explosion claimed the life of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Girepunje, a 2013-batch officer with the Chhattisgarh State Police Service, who was leading an anti-Naxal patrol near Dondra village along the Konta-Errabor road.
According to official sources, the incident occurred when police forces were conducting a foot patrol in response to intelligence reports indicating that Naxalites had torched an earth-moving machine in the area.
As the security personnel approached the location, the hidden IED exploded, severely injuring ASP Girepunje and two other officers — Bhanupratap Chandrakar, Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) for Konta, and Inspector Sonal Gwala, Station House Officer of the Konta police station.
All three injured officers were immediately evacuated to the local hospital in Konta. However, ASP Girepunje succumbed to his injuries, which were described as critical due to the direct impact of the blast.
Brave Officer Remembered
Girepunje, aged 42 and a native of Raipur district, had been serving in the restive Sukma region since last year. Before that, he held postings in several high-risk zones, including Manpur-Mohla, and was recognised within the force for his courage and commitment.
He was also a recipient of gallantry awards for his service in anti-Naxal operations.
“The Chhattisgarh Police has lost one of its most valiant officers,” said a senior police official. “His dedication and bravery in the most challenging conditions will never be forgotten.”
The two injured officers are said to be in stable condition and are being airlifted to Raipur for advanced medical care.
State Leaders Condemn Attack
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the death of the senior officer and condemned the “cowardly” act of violence. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister said, “I salute the martyrdom of ASP Akash Rao Girepunje. This barbaric attack by Naxalites reflects their desperation. They will face the consequences of such acts.”
He assured that the injured officers are receiving the best possible medical attention and reiterated the state’s commitment to ending the Naxalite menace. “Security forces have been steadily gaining ground in the fight against Naxalites. Such attacks reflect their frustration. The day is not far when their presence will be eliminated from Chhattisgarh,” Sai added.
Call for Peace, But With a Warning
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Home portfolio, described the incident as tragic and urged Naxalites to abandon the path of violence and integrate into mainstream society.
“The government has always maintained that it does not wish to fire a single bullet. But if peace initiatives are answered with such brutal violence, we will respond with resolve,” Sharma said, while speaking to reporters in Nagpur.
He added that the government’s rehabilitation policy remains open for those willing to surrender and contribute to nation-building, but warned that continued attacks would not be tolerated.
Police, State Pay Tribute
The mortal remains of ASP Girepunje are being transported to Raipur, where full state honours will be accorded during the final rites. Senior officials, family members, and colleagues are expected to attend the guard of honour ceremony.
In an official statement, the Chhattisgarh Police said, “The police department, along with the entire state government and citizens of Chhattisgarh, stands in solidarity with the family of the martyred officer.
His supreme sacrifice will only strengthen our resolve to uproot violent extremist groups like the CPI (Maoist) from our soil.”
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Naxalite insurgency in central India, even as security forces continue to make significant inroads in reclaiming and stabilising conflict-affected areas.
