Chhattisgarh police vow to eradicate Maoism in Bastar, Bastar IG visits site of blast in Konta

RAIPUR:

Maoists had planted another IED at the site of blast where an Additional SP was killed in Konta region in Sukma district, which was defused by security forces during inspection. A day after the tragic death of ASP Akash Rao Girepunje in an IED blast, Bastar Range Inspector General of police P Sundarraj visited the spot and vowed that the police would not relent until Naxalism is eradicated from Bastar.

“We have launched an operation to track down the Maoists responsible for Monday morning’s attack that has also injured our two officers,” IG said. An IED planted by Maoists at the same location where blast took place was defused on Monday evening when an investigation team went to the spot for probe. During his visit to the blast site in Konta, IG Sundarraj confirmed that security forces have launched an operation to track down the Naxalites responsible for Monday's attack, which also injured two other officers.

A follow-up search led to the recovery of another IED planted at the site, which was safely defused. Girepunje, 42, who had been serving as ASP of Konta since March last year, was killed when the IED exploded at a stone quarry in the area. His sacrifice was honored by Sundarraj, who emphasized that the police are prepared to take on the Naxalites with full strength. “We will not stop until Bastar is completely free from Naxalism,” said Sundarraj.

“The sacrifice of Akash Rao and other martyrs will inspire our mission for peace and prosperity.” A Bomb Detection and Disposal Team also recovered pressure IED components and debris from the site. Security forces are continuing their search in nearby areas, and authorities have initiated an investigation with an FIR lodged at Konta police station. The IG assured that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for this cowardly act, reaffirming the police's resolve to finish the Naxal threat in the region once and for all.