Raipur, June 9
Maoists detonated an improvised explosive device that claimed the life of Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Giripunje of Konta Division in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.
State Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the death and expressed his profound grief. He said Giripunje was a 2013 batch officer and a brave soldier.
Several other soldiers on patrol were injured in the blast. Reports indicate that Konta Town Inspector Sonal Gwala sustained injuries, and security forces have been deployed to the area to secure the site and provide reinforcement.
According to reports and police sources, ASP Giripunje was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries. The attack took place following a Bharat Bandh call given by the Maoists on June 10.
ASP Giripunje was leading a foot patrol with his team along the Konta-Errabor road after setting up a security camp when they encountered the blast near Dondra.
The explosion caused multiple injuries, and the wounded officers are receiving treatment at Konta Hospital.