Senior Chhattisgarh cop martyred in Sukma IED blast, two others injured in Naxal attack

A senior police officer was martyred and two others were injured in an IED blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Monday. Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Girepunje lost his life in the explosion during a foot patrol near Dondra village on the Konta-Errabor road. The officers were responding to a report of an earthmover being set ablaze by Naxalites when the blast occurred.

Girepunje, 42, suffered critical injuries and succumbed during treatment at a local hospital. Two others—SDOP Bhanupratap Chandrakar and SHO Sonal Gwala—were also injured but are said to be out of danger and were airlifted to Raipur for further treatment. Girepunje was a 2013-batch officer known for his service in high-risk Naxal-affected areas like Manpur-Mohla and Sukma.

The incident sparked an outpouring of grief and strong responses from state leadership. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute and warned that Naxalites would face “consequences” for such cowardly acts. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma called Girepunje a brave gallantry awardee and reiterated that the government seeks peace but will not tolerate violence.

The slain officer’s mortal remains were brought to Raipur for last rites and a full state honour. The police department stated that his sacrifice will only strengthen the resolve to dismantle the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and restore peace in the region.