A senior police officer, ASP Akash Rao Giripunje, was killed in an IED blast set off by Naxals in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The blast also left several other police personnel injured. The incident took place near Dondra village on Monday morning while the police were on patrol, responding to a bandh called by the Naxals. ASP Giripunje, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Konta Division), was seriously injured and later died while receiving treatment at Konta Hospital. Deputy CM Vijay Shamra paid tribute to the deceased officer, describing him as a courageous individual. An investigation is underway. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, with Naxals continuing to target security forces. The government is committed to removing Naxalism.