Rayagada, June 9: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast, suspected to have been planted by Naxalites, rocked the Konta area of Sukma district on Monday, resulting in the martyrdom of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Girpunje. The incident occurred while a police team was out on routine patrolling duty.
According to officials, the injured officer was immediately evacuated and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. However, despite efforts by doctors, ASP Girpunje succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The explosion also left the Station In-Charge (TI) of Konta Police Station and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) injured. Both are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
The martyrdom of ASP Girpunje has cast a pall of grief over the entire Chhattisgarh Police Department. Senior police officials have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing him as a dedicated and courageous officer.
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces have launched a massive combing and search operation in the region to track down the perpetrators. Reinforcements have been deployed, and the area remains on high alert.
