Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ankita Sharma gets show-cause notice after AK-47 firing video goes viral

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to senior IPS officer Ankita Sharma after a video showing her firing an AK-47 rifle into the air during a traditional weapon-worship ritual on Dussehra in Rajnandgaon went viral.The incident involving Rajnandgaon superintendent of police (SP) Sharma has triggered a debate over safety, discipline and weapon-handling protocols.The video showed Sharma, dressed in a saree, firing several rounds from an AK-47 after the weapon-worship ritual, news agency PTI reported.Rajnandgaon Range inspector general of police Ajay Yadav said Sharma fired the rifle after the traditional 'Shastra Puja' at Police Lines on October 20, on the occasion of Vijayadashami.The police headquarters took serious cognisance of the matter, finding that the act was not in accordance with police weapon-handling rules. It has sought an explanation from Sharma, Yadav said.He added that the headquarters had sought clarification over the apparent disregard for safety protocols, as negative comments on the viral video were damaging the dignity of the police force, PTI reported."After receiving the SP's reply, I will record my observations and forward the matter to the police headquarters. Further action will be taken in accordance with the directions received from there," the IG said.While some social media users defended Sharma, arguing that she was following a tradition, others criticised her handling of the weapon.Retired IPS officer RK Vij told PTI that firing should be carried out only at a safe location 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.An IPS officer, requesting anonymity, said firing blank rounds, commonly known as 'awazi kartoos', was part of the Shastra Puja tradition followed across the state. Live ammunition was not used on such occasions, the officer added, PTI reported.The officer also pointed out that even a bullet fired into the air comes back down and can injure people nearby.Former Indian Army officer KJS Dhillon also raised concerns on social media over the weapon-handling practices seen in the videos, saying safety precautions had been violated."Dangerously incorrect handling of a loaded weapon - All aspects of safety of weapon handling violated - Pointing a loaded weapon in all directions. Ppl (people) in background are visibly terrified - Firing a service weapon for an unauthorised act in a non-authorised dress - Basic weapon handling drill taught in the...academies not adhered to - Such irresponsible action can cause death or hurt to self or others...," he wrote.Another social media user, identifying himself as Army veteran Colonel Deepak Kumar, described the act as reckless and unprofessional and questioned Sharma's handling of the rifle after firing.Some users suggested that only blank ammunition should be used for ceremonial firing, PTI reported.Others defended Sharma, arguing that the incident should not overshadow her professional record.A social media user identifying himself as 'former Major LS Choudhary' acknowledged shortcomings in weapon handling but said they should be corrected without discrediting her work in Chhattisgarh.Another user, Narendra Negi, defended Sharma, saying she was a trained IPS officer.He contended that some of the criticism stemmed from her firing the rifle while wearing a saree.Rajnandgaon Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore was also seen firing an AK-47 after Sharma in another video.Videos showing police personnel firing weapons after the ritual in other districts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham and Bastar, were also shared with the media on Tuesday.(With agnecy inputs)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Raipur | Silver Rate in Raipur | Bank Holidays in Raipur | Public Holidays in Raipur | Raipur AQI | Weather in Raipur | Petrol Price in Raipur | Diesel Price in Raipur | CNG Price in Raipur | LPG Price in RaipurStay updated with the latest Raipur news. Download the TOI App.