The final procession of ASP Akash Rao Giripunje, who died in a Naxal IED explosion in Sukma’s Konta region, began from his Kushalpur residence in Raipur. The procession was marked by the emotionally charged slogans of ‘As long as the sun and moon shine, Akash, your name will be remembered’. The Collector, Municipal Commissioner, CEO of the District Panchayat, along with officials, family, and a large crowd of supporters, participated in this heartbreaking farewell. The atmosphere was somber, reflecting both grief and honor. The body of the martyr, Akash Rao, was then taken to Mana for the final farewell.
Akash Rao, a resident of Raipur and a 2013-batch officer in the State Police Service, had a distinguished career. He left his banking job to join the police after passing the Chhattisgarh PCS exam. His life was tragically cut short on Monday in a pressure IED blast set off by Naxals in the Konta area of Sukma. He had received multiple gallantry awards recognizing his courage and integrity. The news of his passing brought profound sadness to both the police force and the wider community.