Show-Cause Notice Issued to Rajnandgaon SP Ankita Sharma

Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ankita Sharma has been issued a show-cause notice after a video showing her firing an AK-47 following an Ayudha Puja ceremony during Dussehra celebrations went viral on social media. The incident reportedly took place on October 20 at the police lines in Rajnandgaon. The video triggered mixed reactions, with some users supporting the officer while others questioned whether proper firearm safety protocols had been followed. The police headquarters reportedly raised concerns that the incident and the negative response online could affect the department’s reputation. Sharma has been asked to explain why the prescribed safety procedures were allegedly not followed. Rajnandgaon Range IG Ajay Yadav said that her response would be reviewed before his observations were forwarded to the police headquarters for further directions.

The incident has also prompted a wider debate about firing weapons during festive rituals. Retired IPS officer R.K. Vij questioned the need for firing during Ayudha Puja, warning that such practices could lead to accidents. A report by PTI also cited an IPS officer who said firing blank rounds during the ritual was a tradition in parts of Chhattisgarh, while cautioning that bullets fired into the air can fall back and injure people. Former military officer K.J. Dhillon also raised concerns about the direction of the weapon and the presence of people behind the shooter. Meanwhile, another video reportedly showed Additional SP Keertan Rathod firing an AK-47. Videos of similar firing incidents were also reported from several districts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham and Bastar, renewing discussion about firearm safety during public celebrations.