The conflict between Naxalite insurgents and Indian security forces has once again reared its deadly head in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh. In a harrowing incident on Sunday, June 9, a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) blast rocked the volatile Sukma district, critically injuring a senior police officer and several others. The blast occurred amidst heightened security operations following a Naxal-called Bharat Bandh planned for June 10.
This incident, occurring barely days after the neutralization of a top Naxal leader with a ₹45 lakh bounty in neighboring Bijapur district, underscores the enduring danger of Maoist violence in India’s Red Corridor.
IED Blast Targets Patrol Team in Sukma
According to official reports, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje of the Konta Division in Sukma was severely injured during a foot patrol on the Konta-Errabora road near Dondra village. The patrol had been mobilized as a preventive measure against any Naxal violence in the lead-up to the CPI (Maoist)'s bandh call.
The explosive device, likely triggered by pressure, caused multiple injuries. Though the exact number of wounded personnel remains unspecified, ASP Akash Rao sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing emergency treatment. Officials confirmed that efforts are underway to transfer him to a more advanced medical facility for specialized care.
“All the injured are being treated at Konta Hospital. Among them, the condition of Additional SP Akash Rao is very serious,” PTI quoted an official as saying. “The others are out of danger for now.”
Escalation Follows High-Profile Naxal Leader’s Death
This latest attack comes just days after a major breakthrough for security forces in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations. On Friday, June 7, a high-ranking Maoist commander, Bhaskar Rao alias Mailarapu Adellu and Mandugula Bhaskar Rao, was killed during an encounter in the National Park region of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district.
Rao was a significant figure in the Maoist hierarchy, serving as the Secretary of the Mancherial-Komarambheem (MKB) division under the Telangana State Committee of the CPI (Maoist). He was also a Special Zonal Committee (SZC) member, a rank reserved for the organization’s strategic leaders.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) P Sundarraj stated that Rao’s body was recovered from the encounter site along with an AK-47, explosives, and other lethal materials. His death is seen as a major tactical blow to the Maoist leadership operating in Telangana and Chhattisgarh.
Hailing from Urumadla village in Telangana’s Adilabad district, Bhaskar Rao carried a total bounty of ₹45 lakh—₹25 lakh from the Chhattisgarh government and ₹20 lakh from Telangana. This high-value target had been on the radar for years, accused of orchestrating numerous deadly attacks on security personnel and civilians alike.
Coordinated Insurgency or Revenge Attack?
The proximity of the IED blast to the recent elimination of Bhaskar Rao raises critical questions about the evolving strategy of the CPI (Maoist). Was the blast an impromptu retaliation to Rao’s death? Or was it a pre-planned show of strength to coincide with the Bharat Bandh?
Historically, the Maoists have used such bandh calls not only to assert ideological authority but also to intimidate state forces and civilians. The Sukma blast, therefore, could be interpreted as both a warning and a desperate attempt to reclaim lost ground.
Security experts believe that with top leaders being killed or captured and their ideological grip loosening among tribal populations, the Maoists are increasingly resorting to high-impact IED attacks to remain relevant.
Sukma: A Recurrent Theatre of Maoist Warfare
Sukma district, deep in southern Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, has long been a hotbed of Maoist activity. Dense forests, poor connectivity, and minimal state presence have made it a strategic base for the CPI (Maoist). In recent years, both central and state governments have intensified counter-insurgency efforts under operations like Prahar and Samadhan, leading to many high-profile arrests and surrenders.
Yet, incidents like the June 9 blast show that the insurgency is far from over. The Maoists may be weakened, but they are not defeated.
A Wake-Up Call for the State and the Nation
This incident highlights several issues that demand urgent attention:
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Need for enhanced IED detection technology: Pressure bombs remain a deadly and difficult-to-detect weapon in the Maoist arsenal. Enhanced mine-sweeping tools and training are essential.
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Protection of senior field officers: That an officer of ASP rank was critically injured in a patrol reflects the risk even high-ranking officials face in these conflict zones.
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Post-operation vigilance: After neutralizing key Maoist leaders, security forces must prepare for retaliatory strikes—a known Maoist tactic.
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Empowering tribal communities: A long-term solution lies not only in guns and operations but also in providing education, healthcare, and employment to communities susceptible to Maoist propaganda.
Final Thoughts
The injuries suffered by ASP Akash Rao Giripunje and his team are a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by our frontline security forces in Naxal-affected regions. The death of Bhaskar Rao, while a tactical success, is just one step in a long and complex battle against an insurgency that feeds on neglect, fear, and ideology.
As India strives toward inclusive development and internal security, incidents like these must not become just another statistic. They should galvanize public awareness, policy action, and national solidarity with those who serve in the most dangerous corners of our country.
We pray for the speedy recovery of ASP Akash Rao and salute the bravery of all personnel involved in keeping India safe from insurgent threats.
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