‘Dangerous handling’: Ex-Army officer slams Chhattisgarh cop over AK-47 firing
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Chhattisgarh SP Ankita Sharma faces a show-cause notice after a viral video showed her firing an AK-47 during a Dussehra 'Shastra Puja' ritual. The incident sparked backlash over safety protocols and the professional conduct of senior police officers.
The Controversy Surrounding 'Shastra Puja' and Police Protocol
A recent incident involving Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police (SP) Ankita Sharma has ignited a fierce national debate regarding the intersection of religious tradition and official police conduct. During the traditional Shastra Puja (weapon worship) ritual on the occasion of Vijayadashami, the IPS officer was filmed firing at least 10 rounds from an AK-47 assault rifle into the open air at the Rajnandgaon Police Lines. While the event was intended to honor the tools of law enforcement, the visual of a high-ranking official discharging a service weapon in a non-combat, celebratory setting has drawn intense scrutiny.
Concerns Over Weapon Handling and Safety
The primary criticism leveled against SP Sharma centers on the reckless handling of a lethal weapon. Experts and former military personnel have pointed out that the officer appeared to lack necessary protective gear and failed to adhere to fundamental weapon safety drills taught in police academies. The video footage shows the rifle being pointed in various directions while bystanders were present, leading to accusations that the act violated basic safety protocols designed to prevent accidental injury or death.
Disciplinary Consequences
In response to the viral nature of the footage and the subsequent public outcry, the Chhattisgarh Police administration took swift action by issuing a formal show-cause notice to SP Sharma on October 22, 2026. This administrative response underscores the gravity with which the department views the violation of standard operating procedures. The notice serves as a mechanism to determine whether the act constitutes a breach of professional conduct or a misuse of service weaponry, regardless of the cultural context of the ritual.
The Debate: Empowerment vs. Indiscipline
Public reaction has been deeply polarized, reflecting a clash between cultural expression and professional discipline. Supporters have framed the act as a display of strength and traditional empowerment—a sentiment often associated with the 'Lady Singham' moniker. Conversely, critics, including former Army officers, have slammed the behavior as 'dangerously incorrect.' The incident highlights a growing tension regarding how public servants—especially those in positions of authority—should balance personal participation in religious customs with the rigid, non-negotiable requirements of firearm safety and institutional decorum.
Future Implications for Law Enforcement
This incident is likely to trigger a wider review of how 'Shastra Puja' is conducted within police lines across India. As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a cautionary tale for law enforcement agencies regarding the visibility of their actions in the digital age. Moving forward, authorities may implement stricter guidelines for ceremonial weapon displays to ensure that tradition does not compromise public safety or the reputation of the police force. The outcome of SP Sharma’s show-cause notice will likely set a precedent for how future ceremonial displays of force are managed by senior officials.
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