Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 22 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday expressed grief over the death of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an IED blast in Sukma district.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the blast carried out by Naxalites as ‘extremely saddening’ and saluted the martyrdom of the officer.

‘Information has been received about the martyrdom of ASP Akash Rao Giripunje ji in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Konta of Sukma district. This is extremely sad. I salute his martyrdom. There are reports of some other officers and soldiers also being injured in this cowardly attack. Instructions have been given to the officers for the proper treatment of the injured,’ CM Sai posted.

He added that a major operation is underway in Chhattisgarh against Naxalites, in which the security forces are achieving continued success.

‘A big battle is being fought by the security forces against the Naxalites in Chhattisgarh and the security forces are getting continuous success in it. Frustrated by this, the Naxalites are committing such cowardly acts. The Naxalites will have to face the consequences of this. The day is not far when their existence will be ended from Chhattisgarh,’ the post further read.

Earlier in the day, a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) blast occurred near Dondra on the Konta–Errabora road, critically injuring ASP Akash Rao Giripunje, according to Inspector General (IG) Bastar P Sundarraj.

‘A pressure IED blast occurred near Dondra on the Konta–Errabora road. ASP, Konta Division, Sukma district, Akash Rao Giripunje sustained serious injuries. Some other officers and jawans have also been injured in this pressure IED blast,’ IG Sundarraj said in his statement.

According to the IG, ASP Giripunje was on foot patrol duty to prevent any Naxalite incident in view of the Bharat Bandh call by CPI(M) scheduled for June 10.

‘All the injured are being treated at Konta Hospital. Among the injured, the condition of ASP Akash Rao is very serious and critical. The other injured are currently out of danger. Efforts are on to shift Additional SP Akash Rao to a higher medical centre soon for better treatment,’ IG Sundarraj added.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, speaking to reporters, paid tribute to the fallen officer, describing him as a brave jawan who had received several gallantry awards.

‘ASP Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje, sacrificed his life after being injured due to an IED blast near Dondra on Konta–Errabora road. He was a brave jawan and was given several gallantry awards. It is a sad moment for us. Search and operations have been launched,’ Sharma said.

(ANI)