Who Is the Maoist Arrested for ASP Giripunje’s Killing?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The SIA has arrested a Maoist operative linked to the death of ASP Giripunje.
- The incident exemplifies the ongoing risks for security forces in insurgency regions.
- Intelligence efforts are being intensified following the arrest.
- Two CRPF jawans were injured in a separate IED explosion.
- The situation in Chhattisgarh remains volatile as Maoist activities continue.
Raipur, July 9 (NationPress) In a major development, the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) has apprehended a significant Maoist figure linked to the fatal explosion that took the life of Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Giripunje in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district.
The detained Maoist, known as Sodhi Ganga, admitted to his direct involvement in the IED (improvised explosive device) blast that targeted the officer during an investigation near a burned earthmoving machine at a stone quarry.
A team of six police officials, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Neeraj Chandrakar, conducted the operation.
The Chhattisgarh home department initiated an inquiry into the officer’s unfortunate demise, which took place on June 9, just one day prior to a Bharat Bandh organized by the Maoists, who had previously set fire to machinery to demonstrate their power.
During questioning, the captured Maoist revealed the identities of additional Maoists involved in the incident. He has been presented before the court and subsequently remanded to custody.
ASP Giripunje, a 2013 batch officer from Raipur, was recognized for his dedication to anti-Naxal initiatives and was only 42 years old. His sacrifice resonated profoundly within the police community, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by security personnel in insurgency-affected areas.
In an unrelated event, two personnel from the CRPF’s 229th battalion suffered serious injuries due to an IED explosion in Bijapur district.
The blast transpired while the team was on patrol along the Basaguda-Awapalli road in the Awapalli police station region on Tuesday.
According to police reports, the Naxalites had concealed the IED between the villages of Timapur and Murdanda. The injured jawans, who sustained multiple wounds primarily to their legs, were promptly transported to the district hospital in Bijapur for medical attention, where their condition was later reported as stable. Bijapur ASP Chandrakant Gavarna stated that further details would be disclosed as the situation evolves.
These incidents illustrate a reinvigorated effort by Maoist factions to exert pressure in anticipation of political and security activities in the area.
With intelligence networks now working to act on the revelations made by the detained Maoists, security forces remain on heightened alert throughout the Bastar division.