Raipur witnessed a poignant farewell as the final journey of ASP Akash Rao Giripunje, martyred in a Naxal IED blast in Konta, Sukma, took place. The procession commenced from his home in Kushalpur with the stirring chants of ‘As long as the sun and moon shine, Akash, your name will live on.’ The event was attended by the Collector, Municipal Commissioner, CEO of the District Panchayat, other officers, the bereaved family, and numerous members of the public. The air was thick with sorrow and respect. The body of the brave officer was taken to Mana for the last respects.
Akash Rao, a native of Raipur and a 2013-batch officer in the State Police Service, had made a significant career change, leaving his banking career to serve the public, achieving this goal by successfully passing the Chhattisgarh PCS exam. He lost his life in a tragic pressure IED blast set by Naxals in Sukma’s Konta area. The brave officer had received gallantry awards for his valour and commitment. His untimely death has been deeply mourned by the police force and the entire city.