RAIPUR/RAJNANDGAON, October 22: The 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 Dussehra weapon-worship ceremony went viral.
Sharma, who serves as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Rajnandgaon, was seen firing several rounds from the assault rifle while dressed in a saree, following the traditional Shastra Puja ceremony.
The incident took place at the Police Lines in Rajnandgaon on October 20, during Vijayadashami celebrations. The episode has sparked debate over firearm safety, police discipline and compliance with weapon-handling protocols.
Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police Ajay Yadav confirmed that Sharma had fired the rifle after the weapon-worship ritual.
The issuance of the show-cause notice marks the beginning of an official process seeking an explanation from the officer regarding the incident. Further details about the notice and any subsequent action were not immediately available.
