Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters has issued a show-cause notice to Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma after a video showing her firing multiple rounds into the air with an AK-47 rifle during a Dussehra ceremony circulated widely on social media. The incident occurred on October 20 during the traditional Shastra Puja organised at the Rajnandgaon Police Lines to mark Vijayadashami. In the footage, Sharma is seen dressed in a saree while discharging the assault rifle, an act that has prompted scrutiny over firearm safety, police discipline, and adherence to standard service weapon protocols.
Police Headquarters Demands Explanation from District Chief
Inspector General of Police for the Rajnandgaon Range Ajay Yadav confirmed that the police administration has taken serious note of the matter. He stated that the firing appeared inconsistent with established rules governing the handling of official arms and ammunition. A formal explanation has been sought from Sharma, following which Yadav will submit a detailed report alongside his observations to Police Headquarters for further departmental consideration. The range IG noted that negative public reactions on social media had raised concerns regarding the image and dignity of the police force. Additional footage from the same event reportedly shows Additional Superintendent of Police Keertan Rathore firing an AK-47 shortly after Sharma.
Similar Ceremonial Firing Reported Across Several Districts
The controversy in Rajnandgaon is not isolated, as similar videos of police personnel handling and discharging firearms during Shastra Puja have surfaced from multiple districts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham, and Bastar. These instances have generated a wider debate over the permissibility of firing service weapons during religious and traditional ceremonies. While an unnamed IPS officer noted that blank cartridges are typically employed rather than live rounds during such rituals to produce noise without projectiles, experts point out that the nature of the ammunition does not waive fundamental safety obligations. Discharged live bullets present severe falling-projectile hazards, making adherence to strict drills essential regardless of the context.
Veterans and Senior Officers Highlight Critical Safety Lapses
The viral clip has drawn pointed criticism from former military and police officers over the handling techniques on display. Former IPS officer R. K. Vij observed that the custom of Shastra Puja is intended for the worship of weapons rather than their active discharge, cautioning that firing during ceremonies invites avoidable hazards. Former Army officer Lieutenant General K. J. S. Dhillon warned against the careless handling of loaded firearms, pointing out risks such as sweeping the muzzle across various directions, ignoring basic handling drills, and operating a service rifle in non-standard attire. Former Colonel Deepak Kumar similarly described the conduct as careless and unprofessional. While commentators like former Major L. S. Chaudhary argued that an officer’s career should not be judged solely on one episode, critics maintained that basic weapon protocols cannot be compromised. Any administrative action will follow the review of Sharma’s formal response by state police authorities.
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