Chhattisgarh Naxal Attack: Sukma District ASP Ashok Rao Killed In IED Blast
Additional SP Akash Rao lost his life after being critically injured in a Naxal-triggered IED blast during a patrol in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. Three other officers were also injured.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao, who was critically injured in a pressure IED explosion planted by Naxals near Dondra on the Konta-Erabore road, has succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The explosion occurred while ASP Rao, along with three other police personnel, was on a routine foot patrol. According to ABP News reporter, Ashok Naidu, the patrolling team,comprising the SDOP of Konta, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Konta police station, and two other personnel, was conducting surveillance in light of a nationwide bandh called by Maoist outfits on June 10.
Blast in Konta, Chattisgarh
The blast, suspected to have been triggered by a pressure IED device planted by Naxal operatives, injured four personnel in total. All the injured were rushed to the Konta hospital. ASP Akash Rao was reported to be in a critical condition and was being prepared for referral to Raipur for advanced medical care. However, he succumbed to his injuries during the course of treatment.
ASP Akash Rao Death
The SDOP of Konta, the SHO, and one more jawan were also injured but are currently out of danger, according to preliminary reports.
Sukma Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavan, has confirmed the incident and the tragic demise of ASP Akash Rao.
The attack has once again highlighted the persistent threat posed by Naxal groups in the region, even as security forces continue intensified operations to maintain law and order.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma also condoled the demise of ASP Akash Rao Giripunj, saying: “ASP Sukma Akash Rao Giripunj has attained martyrdom after being critically injured in an IED blast near Dondra on the Konta-Erabore road. He was a brave officer who had been honoured with several gallantry awards. This is an immense loss for us. Search and combing operations have been launched in the area.”
Counter -insurgency operations in South Bastar
This attack comes just days after a major breakthrough in the state’s anti-Naxal efforts. On May 27, 2025, a total of 18 Naxals, including four members of the notorious Battalion No. 1, surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. Officials confirmed that the surrender was influenced by the state government's rehabilitation programme, Niyad Nellanar.
The development was seen as a significant boost to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in South Bastar, a region historically plagued by Naxal violence. According to police sources, several among those who laid down arms were actively involved in four separate Naxal battalions.
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