Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Girepunje was murdered and two senior officers were injured in a major improvised explosive device (IED) blast set off by Maoists in the Konta region of Sukma district on Monday morning, dealing a serious blow to anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh.
On the Konta-Errabor road, which is generally regarded as safe by the villagers, the event happened close to Dondra hamlet. It turned tragic when the police squad responded to reports of Maoists setting an earth-mover machine on fire the night before.
Just 100 meters inside the trail from the main highway, ASP Girepunje, a 42-year-old Raipur native who had received a heroism medal, and his crew were on foot patrol investigating the arson incident when they came upon the pressure-activated IED.
Girepunje suffered devastating injuries from the bomb, losing both of his legs and suffering severe lower body trauma. Before passing away from his wounds while receiving care at Konta Hospital, he reportedly maintained his composure in spite of his dire circumstances, telling staff to notify higher-ranking authorities and make arrangements for blood for everyone hurt.
After being taken to Raipur for additional medical treatment, Sub Divisional Police Officer Bhanupratap Chandrakar and Station House Officer Sonal Gwala, who were both injured in the incident, are said to be safe. The police believe that the Maoists planned the arson as a trap, installing the IED in anticipation of a police reaction. The explosion left a sizable crater at the location and was noticeably more potent than conventional anti-personnel weapons.
After joining the Chhattisgarh Police in 2013 as a Deputy Superintendent, ASP Girepunje was awarded a Police Gallantry Medal in 2019 for his valor. He had previously worked in Manpur-Mohla and Sukma, two Maoist-affected districts. Since 2011, a Maoist IED strike has murdered three ASP-ranked officers in Chhattisgarh.
The Chhattisgarh government and senior police authorities have offered their sincere condolences and praised Girepunje’s bravery and leadership. He was called one of the most courageous officers by Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P, who emphasized that such attacks are a reflection of the Maoists’ vulnerable position and reliance on IEDs to strike both civilians and security forces. Girepunje’s sacrifice will only fortify the state administration’s resolve to eradicate Maoist influence in the area, the government has reaffirmed.
The incident highlights the continuous risks faced by security forces in India’s ongoing battle against left-wing extremism and occurs at a time when Bastar is on high alert in anticipation of a bandh declared by the CPI (Maoist).
