Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters has issued a show-cause notice to Ankita Sharma, a 2018-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, after a video showing her firing an AK-47 rifle during a traditional weapon-worship ceremony on Dussehra went viral on social media.
The incident took place at the Police Lines in Rajnandgaon on October 20, during the Vijayadashami celebrations. Sharma, who serves as Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police (SP), was seen firing several rounds from the rifle after the traditional Shastra Puja ritual.
The incident has raised concerns about weapon-handling procedures, safety protocols and discipline within the police force. According to news agency PTI, the police headquarters has sought an explanation from Sharma over the incident.
Chhattisgarh Police Seeks Explanation From Ankita Sharma
Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Ajay Yadav confirmed that the police headquarters had taken serious cognisance of the viral video.
According to Yadav, the authorities found that the act was not in accordance with established police weapon-handling rules. The show-cause notice seeks clarification regarding the apparent violation of safety protocols.
Yadav also said that negative reactions to the video on social media were affecting the dignity of the police force.
He added that after receiving Sharma’s response, he would record his observations and forward the matter to the police headquarters. Further action would be taken in accordance with the directions received from the headquarters.
Read also: Who Is IPS Ankita Sharma? Viral AK-47 Firing Video Draws Weapon Safety Concerns from Ex-Army Officer
Viral Dussehra Video Triggers Debate Over Weapon Safety
The video showed Sharma wearing a saree while firing an AK-47 following the traditional weapon-worship ceremony. The footage sparked a debate on social media, with users expressing differing views about the incident.
While some defended the firing as part of a longstanding Dussehra tradition, others questioned whether the weapon had been handled in accordance with prescribed safety procedures.
Rajnandgaon Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore was also seen firing an AK-47 in another video after Sharma.
Similar videos showing police personnel firing weapons following Shastra Puja ceremonies in other districts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham and Bastar, were also shared with the media.
Retired IPS Officer RK Vij Raises Safety Concerns
Retired IPS officer RK Vij told PTI that firing weapons should take place only at a safe location and with adequate precautions.
Vij said the primary purpose of Shastra Puja was to worship weapons rather than fire them. He cautioned that ceremonial firing could lead to accidents and should be avoided.
The incident has also prompted discussion about the difference between performing a traditional ritual and using service weapons in a manner that may create safety risks.
Debate Over Blank Ammunition and Ceremonial Firing
An IPS officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PTI that firing blank rounds, commonly known as awazi kartoos, was part of the Shastra Puja tradition followed in Chhattisgarh.
The officer said live ammunition was not used during such ceremonies. However, the officer also cautioned that bullets fired into the air can fall back to the ground and potentially injure people nearby.
The distinction between blank and live ammunition has become a key point in the debate surrounding the incident. The concerns raised by critics have focused on safe weapon handling and the potential risks associated with firing, regardless of the ceremonial context.
Former Army Officer Questions Weapon-Handling Practices
Former Indian Army officer KJS Dhillon also raised concerns on social media about the weapon-handling practices visible in the videos.
Dhillon criticised the apparent disregard for basic weapon-safety procedures, including pointing a loaded weapon in different directions and firing a service weapon in a ceremonial setting. He also expressed concern about the presence of people in the background.
Another social media user identifying himself as Army veteran Colonel Deepak Kumar described the act as reckless and unprofessional and questioned the way the rifle was handled after firing.
These reactions added to the wider debate over whether appropriate precautions were followed during the ceremony.
Social Media Users Divided Over Ankita Sharma Incident
The incident has drawn mixed reactions online. Some users criticised the firing and called for adherence to weapon-handling rules, while others argued that the controversy should not overshadow Sharma’s professional record.
A user identifying himself as former Major LS Choudhary acknowledged shortcomings in weapon handling but said they should be addressed without discrediting Sharma’s work in Chhattisgarh.
Another user, Narendra Negi, defended Sharma, arguing that she was a trained IPS officer. He also suggested that some of the criticism was linked to her firing the rifle while wearing a saree.
The contrasting reactions have highlighted the debate between respect for traditional practices and the need to follow safety and professional standards.
Further Action Awaited From Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters
The next steps in the matter will depend on Sharma’s response to the show-cause notice and the observations submitted by IG Ajay Yadav to the police headquarters.
The police authorities have indicated that further action will be taken in accordance with the directions issued by the headquarters. The incident has brought renewed attention to weapon-handling protocols during ceremonial events involving police personnel and service weapons.
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