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Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Guerrillas' Call Ambush Tactic Still Takes A Heavy Toll On Commandos
Nagpur: The 'call ambush' strategy unleashed by guerrillas has exacted a heavier toll on security forces than jungle encounters in Maoist-hit states and the death of additional superintendent of police Akash Rao Giripunje in a IED blast in Sukma earlier this week reignited concerns over the deadly tactic. This calculated guerrilla warfare method, which exploits routine administrative procedures, has prompted security forces to overhaul their standard operating procedures, yet the threat remains formidable, said a senior security official. The 'call ambush' follows a sinister pattern. First, Maoists orchestrate arson in a village, often coercing locals to contact police for a spot 'panchanama' — a formal investigation to document losses for compensation claims, which is integral to the probe. When security personnel respond, they are lured into a trap where Maoists execute a three-pronged strategy — rigging the area with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), detonating blasts to disorient the commandos, and unleashing indiscriminate gunfire. The killing of ASP Giripunje in Sukma exemplifies this tactic. Responding to a villager's call to probe an arson incident, Giripunje and his team were ambushed in a meticulously planned attack involving IEDs and gunfire, leaving no chance for retaliation. In Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, a hotbed of Maoist activity, 'call ambushes' have been a recurring menace. Commandos in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district have suffered heavy casualties from 'call ambushes.' In 2009, Maoists killed 51 security personnel in the district in different incidents, with a particularly devastating incident near Markegaon in February, where 15 cops were ambushed while heading to conduct a 'panchanama' following an arson attack. Prompted by villagers under Maoist coercion, the small contingent was unprepared for the assault, with Maoists rigging the area with explosives and opening fire, killing all the 15. Also in 2009, a similar 'call ambush' led to the killing of 16 security personnel, including around six women cops near Hattigota in Dhanora tehsil of north Gadchiroli. In the same year, the Maoists deployed similar strategies to wipe out 17 cops from Laheri outpost in south Gadchiroli. In 2019, another 'call ambush' in Jambhukheda, Kurkheda taluka, claimed 13 policemen, who were responding to a panchanama request. "We urge villagers in Gadchiroli to get the panchanama done through video calls and such methods or delay the process before sanitising the area, deploy bomb detection and disposal squads and move after opening roads which are safe for movements of troopers," said a senior official of Maharashtra police. In Chhattisgarh in April 2021, a similar ambush in Sukma district killed 22 security personnel when forces were lured to a Maoist-controlled area in the pretext of an operation. The Sukma attack in 2025 underscored Maoists' continued ability to exploit community-driven requests, turning routine duties into deadly traps. These incidents highlight Maoists' strategic exploitation of administrative protocols. Beyond Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, 'call ambushes' have plagued other states in the Red corridor. In Jharkhand's Latehar district, a 2021 ambush killed five policemen responding to a 'panchanama' call. In Odisha's Malkangiri district, multiple casualties were reported in 2023 due to similar traps. The tactic's success lies in exploiting the predictability of police responses, turning procedural duties into opportunities for attack. The repeated success of 'call ambushes' has forced security forces to adapt. In Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and other LWE states, police now rely on technology to minimise risks. Video calls, drone surveillance, and remote assessments have become integral to SOPs, allowing forces to verify situations without immediate exposure. In 2023, Chhattisgarh police began using drones extensively after a series of ambushes, a practice now standard across Maoist-hit states. The guerrilla arsenal also includes 'mobile warfare,' where insurgents from multiple locations converge at an ambush point, amplifying attack impact. This, combined with 'call ambushes,' represents two most perilous strategies faced by security forces. The convergence of fighters makes attacks unpredictable, while manipulation of villagers adds psychological warfare.
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Ending Naxalism would be fitting tribute': Family remembers police officer killed in IED blast as ‘strongest pillar'
Putting an end to Naxalism would be the most fitting tribute to Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Giripunje (42), who was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, his family said Tuesday after his body was brought back home to Raipur. Giripunje died on Monday morning after he accidentally stepped on a pressure IED, planted by Maoists, when he and his team went to check on a JCB machine that was set on fire at Dondra village. At a wreath-laying ceremony organised in Raipur on Tuesday, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declared that 'Giripunje's sacrifice will not go in vain'. Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and other ministers and senior police officers were also present. A graduate, Giripunje worked as a bank official for four-and-a-half years before joining the Chhattisgarh Police in 2013. He became well-known in the police force through his singing at police events. He also wrote poems. He was from an economically backward family that had migrated from neighbouring Maharashtra to a settlement in Raipur, where his grandfather ran a garage at a rented premises. His father, Govind Rao, still runs the same garage. Giripunje was one of five siblings. The youngest sibling, 26-year-old Adarsh, an MBBS graduate, said, 'My brother was the strongest pillar of our family. We have three sisters, and all are well-educated. He built a new house for our family and bought land on loan. He took care of all my education expenses. He was a father figure and a guiding spirit. I could not imagine in my wildest dreams that this would happen to us. Now, I have to handle the responsibilities of the house and I need to be strong.' Adarsh said that ASP Giripunje said in his last call that he was 'excited to come home for his six-year-old daughter's birthday on June 11'. 'We were to celebrate her birthday at her mother's place in Bhandara, Maharashtra. In May, he had come to Raipur just for a day to attend his seven-year-old son's birthday,' Adarsh said. He also said the family is proud of Giripunje and that 'a fitting tribute for his supreme sacrifice would be putting an end to Naxalism'.
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We are learning": NSG DG Brighu Srinivasan on anti-Naxal operations
New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Brighu Srinivasan, the Director General (DG) of the National Security Guard (NSG), on Tuesday clarified the NSG's role in anti-Naxal operations. According to Srinivasan, the state police is the lead agency in such operations, while the Central Armed Police Forces play a crucial supporting role. Srinivasan emphasised that the NSG is learning from anti-Naxal operations and will conduct operations if needed, adding that the NSG is known for its precise operations and is called in only when there is solid intelligence. Speaking to ANI about the anti-Naxal operations in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, DG NSG, Brighu Srinivasan said, 'State police is the lead agency in anti-Naxal operations. Central Armed Police Forces play an important role. NSG skillset is limited. Our operations are precise and we are called only if there is solid intelligence. In the anti-Naxal operations, we are learning and if and when the need arises, we will carry out an operation...' The NSG's role is to provide specialized support when required, working in conjunction with state police and other central forces to tackle Naxalism effectively Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh's Sukma witnessed two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts. ASP Akash Rao Giripunje, who lost his life in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Sukma's Konta. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to ASP Akash Rao Giripunje and said his sacrifice will not go in vain. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said, 'ASP Akash Rao Giripunje lost his life in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Sukma's Konta... We came here to pay respects to him... His sacrifice will not go in vain. Naxalism is taking its last breath, and it will end soon... We have lost a very capable officer...' On Tuesday, CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Raman Singh and other dignitaries paid their last respect to ASP Akash Rao Giripunje. The body of Giripunje reached the Mana Fourth Battalion of Raipur on Tuesday. Family members of Giripunje, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and Cabinet Minister Laxmi Rajwade also reached the Mana Fourth Battalion. Police officials and residents also paid tribute to the slain police personnel. The IED blast occurred on Monday and claimed the life of ASP Giripunje. (ANI)
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Putin's Commandos' Raid 'ENEMY SHIPS' As Russia Fires Missiles Near NATO Territory
Naxal IED Blast: ASP Succumbs To Injuries, 2 Police Officers Injured In Chhattisgarh's Sukma ASP Akash Rao Giripunje lost his life and at least two other policemen were seriously injured in a powerful Maoist-triggered pressure IED blast during a foot patrol in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. The patrol was part of a pre-emptive operation ahead of the June 10 Bharat Bandh called by CPI (Maoist). The blast occurred near Dondra village on the Konta–Errabore road. Giripunje, critically injured, succumbed while being moved for advanced treatment. The injured were taken to Konta Hospital and later shifted to Raipur. CM Vishnu Deo Sai, IG Bastar P Sundarraj, former CM Bhupesh Baghel, and Speaker Raman Singh condemned the attack, calling it cowardly and a sign of Maoist frustration. Security forces vowed intensified counterinsurgency efforts.#akashraogiripunje #sukmablast #chhattisgarh #naxalattack #iedblast #police #antimism #vishnudeosai #bhupeshbaghel #ramansingh #bastar #indiasecurity #bharatbandh #counternaxal #dharmaveers #konta #police #ripakashraogiripunje #maoism #naxal #sukma #chhattisgarhnews #news #toi #toibharat 1.3K views | 22 hours ago
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh ambush: ASP killed in IED blast as Maoists use arson as bait; officer stayed calm after losing legs
RAIPUR: Additional SP Giripunje, who was killed in an IED blast in Konta region on Monday, was alive and conscious after getting severely injured and losing both of his legs; he had asked his colleagues to call seniors and arrange blood for him before succumbing to his injuries. ASP Giripunje got information about Maoists putting a poclain machine on fire on Sunday night near Dondra village on a spot at Konta-Errabore road. The owner of the machine called up SP on Monday early and informed him about the incident. Giripunje was at his residence in Konta and was preparing to go to the gym, said an officer. He called his colleagues and decided to visit the spot, which was about 3.5 kms from Konta. They walked one km inside the NH-30 to reach the spot. "After the blast, the ASP was conscious and told the jawans, who were present there, to inform Sukma SP about the incident and asked him to arrange blood for him," a jawan told a local scribe. Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said that there was a lot of blood loss as both legs were completely destroyed in the blast. The ASP was alive for 15-20 mins till he was brought to hospital but he succumbed soon after, he said.
