Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 25 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje, who was killed in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Sukma's Konta region. CM Sai said the officer's sacrifice would not go in vain and asserted that Naxalism is nearing its end.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said, ‘ASP Akash Rao Giripunje lost his life in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Sukma's Konta... We came here to pay respects to him... His sacrifice will not go in vain. Naxalism is taking its last breath, and it will end soon... We have lost a very capable officer.’

On Tuesday, CM Sai, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and Cabinet Minister Laxmi Rajwade joined family members and senior officials in paying their last respects to ASP Giripunje at the Mana Fourth Battalion in Raipur, where the officer’s body was brought.

Residents and police officials also paid tribute to the slain officer. The IED blast, which occurred on Monday, claimed the life of ASP Giripunje.

Earlier, CM Sai had visited the residence of the deceased officer in Raipur to console his family. Condemning the attack, he stated: ‘We pay tribute to ASP Akash Rao Giripunje. The Naxals are doing this as they are rattled. His sacrifice will not go in vain. The Naxals are taking their last breath and doing all this in frustration. We condemn this incident. May his family get the strength to bear this loss. Those injured will be brought to Raipur for the best medical treatment.’

He further said, ‘A reputed Additional SP has lost his life due to the IED blast. This is very sad news. ASP Akash Rao Giripunje's sacrifice will not go in vain, and the Naxals will have to pay a price for this cowardly act. The Naxals will get a befitting reply for this.’

(ANI)