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Chhattisgarh Police Officer Killed in Maoist-IED Blast, Two Injured

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A high-ranking Chhattisgarh police officer, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Girepunje, was killed and two other police officers were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Sukma district. The incident occurred while the police team was patrolling on foot in the Konta-Errabor area, where Maoists had torched an earthmover machine. The IED explosion caused serious injuries to Girepunje, who succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Two other injured officials, Sub Divisional Officer of Police Bhanupratap Chandrakar and Station House Officer Sonal Gwala, were airlifted to Raipur for further medication.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by Maoist groups in Chhattisgarh, who have resorted to targeting security forces and civilians using IEDs.
  • Since 2020, Bastar Police has seized over 1,200 IEDs in various area domination and searches, indicating a significant presence of Maoist groups in the region.
  • In 2024, 308 IEDs were seized by security forces, the highest number in the past five years, suggesting a heightened intensity of Maoist activities.
  • The recent IED blast in Bijapur, which killed nine people, including eight jawans and a civilian driver, is one of the biggest strikes by Maoists on security forces in the state in the past two years.
  • Until May 31, 2025, 28 civilians and 10 personnel have been killed in Maoist-related incidents, highlighting the ongoing risk faced by security personnel and civilians in LWE-affected areas.
  • The Chhattisgarh government, police, and citizens have expressed their support and solidarity with the family of martyr Girepunje, who served in Maoist-affected areas and was credited with bravery and dedication.

Statistics:

  • Since 2020, Bastar Police has seized over 1,200 IEDs in various area domination and searches.
  • In 2024, as many as 308 IEDs were seized by security forces in Bastar region alone.
  • 278 IEDs were seized in 2020; 163 in 2021; 128 in 2022; 242 in 2023; and 81 in February 2025.
  • 9 people, including 8 jawans and a civilian driver, were killed in the IED blast in Bijapur in January 2025.
  • Until May 31, 2025, 28 civilians and 10 personnel have been killed in Maoist-related incidents.

Sources:

  • "Bastar Range IGP, Sundarraj P"
  • "Bastar Police"
  • "Chhattisgarh government, police, all citizens and the police family stand firmly with the family of martyr Girepunje"

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