Rajnandgaon, October 23, 2026: Chhattisgarh IPS officer and Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma has been issued a show-cause notice after a video showing her firing an AK-47 rifle into the air during a Dussehra “Shastra Puja” ceremony went viral on social media. The incident has triggered a debate over weapon safety, police discipline and ceremonial firing practices.
The ceremony took place at the Police Lines in Rajnandgaon on October 20 during Vijayadashami celebrations.
Viral Video Shows AK-47 Firing
In the widely shared video, Sharma is seen dressed in a saree and firing several rounds from an AK-47 during the traditional weapon-worship ceremony.
The footage spread rapidly across social media and was subsequently aired by several television channels and digital news platforms.
Show-Cause Notice Issued
Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police Ajay Yadav confirmed that Sharma had been served a show-cause notice.
Yadav said Sharma’s response would be examined before the matter, along with his observations, is forwarded to senior authorities.
Police Cite Safety and Discipline Concerns
A senior police official said authorities took note of the incident after the video attracted widespread criticism online.
Officials said the manner in which the weapon was handled raised questions about prescribed safety norms and the image of the police force.
Former Army Officer Criticises Weapon Handling
Former Army officer K J S Dhillon was among those who publicly criticised the handling of the rifle.
He alleged that basic weapon-handling protocols were not followed and raised concerns about the direction in which the loaded weapon was pointed while people stood nearby.
Retired IPS Officer Raises Safety Concerns
Retired IPS officer R K Vij also questioned the practice of firing during such ceremonies.
He said Shastra Puja is primarily about worshipping weapons and argued that firing should only take place in safe and properly controlled environments because of the risk of accidents.
Similar Videos From Other Districts Surface
The controversy has widened after videos emerged showing senior police officers in several other districts of Chhattisgarh also firing rifles during similar Dussehra ceremonies.
Officials cited by The Indian Express said such ceremonial firing has been practiced in parts of the state, but Sharma was served a notice after her video went viral and generated negative public attention.
Questions Raised Over Blank Versus Live Ammunition
A police officer speaking anonymously said ceremonial firing during Shastra Puja generally involves blank rounds, commonly referred to as “awazi kartoos”, rather than live ammunition.
However, the public debate has focused less on the tradition itself and more on whether proper handling and safety precautions were followed in the viral video.
Some Social Media Users Defend Officer
Not all reactions were critical.
Some users argued that Sharma is a trained IPS officer and that similar ceremonial practices have existed in the state for years. Others said criticism should focus specifically on any safety lapses rather than the officer’s attire or gender.
Deputy Chief Minister Says Government Will Take Cognisance
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao earlier said the state government would take cognisance of the matter after the video began circulating online.
The subsequent show-cause notice indicates that the police administration has now formally sought an explanation from Sharma.
Ankita Sharma Yet to Publicly Respond
At the time of the latest reports, Sharma had not issued a detailed public response to the controversy or the show-cause notice.
Authorities are expected to review her explanation before deciding whether any further action is necessary.
Debate Over Police Protocol Continues
The incident has sparked a broader discussion over ceremonial practices involving service weapons and whether such traditions should continue without stricter safety guidelines.
The case could prompt Chhattisgarh Police to review rules governing weapons during official ceremonial events.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, PTI
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