Chhattisgarh IPS Officer Served Show-Cause Notice After Video of AK-47 Firing During Dussehra Ritual Goes Viral

A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district has been served a show-cause notice after a video showing her firing an AK-47 rifle into the air while wearing a saree during a traditional Dussehra weapon-worship ritual sparked criticism on social media.

The incident took place during Shastra Puja at the Police Lines on October 20, coinciding with Vijayadashami.

The video featuring IPS officer Ankita Sharma circulated widely on social media and was broadcast by several news channels and online portals, triggering a debate over firearm safety, police discipline and weapon-handling protocols.

Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police Ajay Yadav confirmed that Sharma had been issued a show-cause notice.

“Once I get her reply, I will send it, along with my note, to the seniors,” Yadav said.

A senior official explained that the notice was issued after the video attracted widespread criticism.

“The video went viral on social media and received negative traction. It was against the norms and safety rules and so we took cognizance and asked her to explain what were the circumstances,” the official said.

Questions Over Selective Action

Videos of several senior police officers from across Chhattisgarh, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham and Bastar, also surfaced showing them firing rifles into the air during similar weapon-worship ceremonies on Dussehra.

An official said firing a few rounds into the air by a senior officer was traditionally regarded as a good omen during the festival.

However, when asked whether similar notices had been issued to the other officers, a senior official said Sharma was the only one who had received a notice because her video had gone viral and allegedly affected the image of the police force.

“We have just served notice to her (Sharma) because the video went viral on social media and has affected the police image. So, we have asked her to explain the situation,” the official said.

Retired IPS officer R K Vij told The Indian Express that firing weapons should take place only in safe locations and with adequate precautions.

“The tradition is essentially about performing the worship of weapons, not firing them. Such firing carries the risk of accidents and should be avoided,” Vij said.

Social Media Debate Over Weapon Safety

The video drew criticism from several social media users, including Army veteran KJS Dhillon, who highlighted what he described as serious safety lapses.

In a post on X, Dhillon criticised the handling of the loaded weapon, writing that “all aspects of safety of weapon handling” had been violated, including pointing a loaded firearm in different directions.

He also said people visible in the background appeared frightened and questioned the use of a service weapon for what he described as an unauthorised activity, as well as the officer’s attire and adherence to basic weapon-handling procedures.

Others defended Sharma, arguing that she was a trained IPS officer and suggesting that some of the criticism was directed at her for firing the rifle while wearing a saree.

An IPS officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said firing blank rounds, commonly known as awazi kartoos, was part of the Shastra Puja tradition observed across Chhattisgarh.

The officer maintained that live ammunition was not used during such ceremonies. However, the officer also cautioned that bullets fired into the air eventually fall back to the ground and can cause injuries to people nearby.

The incident has renewed questions about firearm safety during ceremonial events involving police personnel and whether consistent safety standards are being applied across the force.