Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 10 (HBTV): An improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered from the same site in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, where Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje was killed in a Naxal-triggered blast. Sukma Police informed on Monday that the Bomb Disposal Squad destroyed the device on the spot.

Earlier, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the IED blast in which ASP Giripunje had succumbed to his injuries. He paid tribute to the slain officer, stating that the Naxals were acting out of desperation and that such sacrifices would not go in vain.

‘The Naxals are rattled and taking their last breath. This act was carried out in frustration. The officer’s sacrifice will not go in vain,’ CM Sai said, expressing condolences and assuring that the bereaved family would be given all necessary support. He also confirmed that the injured personnel would be shifted to Raipur for the best possible medical treatment.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also expressed concern, stating that the state government was committed to ensuring proper medical treatment for those injured in the blast.

The blast took place near Dondra on the Konta–Errabora road in Sukma district. ASP Giripunje, posted in the Konta Division, sustained serious injuries in the explosion, along with several other officers and jawans.

‘In a pressure IED blast near Dondra on the Konta–Errabora road, ASP Konta Division, District Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje sustained serious injuries. Some other officers and jawans were also injured in the pressure IED blast,’ said IG Sundarraj in a statement.

According to IG Sundarraj, ASP Giripunje had been on foot patrol duty to prevent any Naxalite activity in light of the Bharat Bandh called by the CPI (M) on June 10. He confirmed that all the injured personnel received treatment at Konta Hospital.

(ANI)