Firing in a Saree: IPS Ankita Sharma’s Dussehra AK-47 Aerial Shots Go Viral

A viral clip featuring senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ankita Sharma firing multiple rounds into the air from an AK-47 assault rifle during the annual Vijayadashami "Shastra Puja" in Rajnandgaon has ignited an intense online debate over weapons handling, security norms, and administrative protocol. The incident unfolded on Tuesday during ceremonial weapon worship at the Rajnandgaon Police Lines, where the Superintendent of Police (SP), dressed in a traditional festive saree, discharged nine rounds into the sky. While supporters defended the act as an age-old martial tradition honoring weaponry on Dussehra, critics and veterans raised concerns regarding muzzle discipline and ceremonial firearm safety. Taking note of the controversy, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao confirmed that the state government will examine the circumstances surrounding the event.Ritual Traditions at Police Lines: Shastra Puja Displays Recorded Across DistrictsThe ceremonial worship of arms remains an established annual tradition across police units:Traditional Weapons Sanctification: On the occasion of Vijayadashami, district police headquarters across Chhattisgarh organize "Shastra Puja" to bless departmental arsenals, tear-gas guns, patrol vehicles, and specialized firearms.Multiple Rounds Fired: During the ceremony at the Rajnandgaon Police Lines, SP Ankita Sharma held an AK-47 assault rifle and fired multiple bursts skyward after performing the religious rituals.Additional Senior Officers on Camera: Supplementary footage revealed Rajnandgaon Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kirtan Rathore also handling and firing an AK-47 during the function.Widespread Statewide Practice: Similar celebratory firearm discharges were documented across departmental units in Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham, and Bastar, underscoring that aerial firing remains a widespread ceremonial practice across police lines.Public Debate and Expert Scrutiny: Tradition Versus Firearm Safety GuidelinesThe circulated footage quickly polarized social media platforms and policing circles:Defense of Historical Protocol: Backers and departmental colleagues argued that ceremonial firing during Shastra Puja is a customary custom symbolizing the valor and operational readiness of law enforcement personnel.Criticism of Recoil Control and Stance: Defense veterans and firearm specialists voiced apprehension over how the high-powered automatic rifle was wielded without standard combat gear or rigid shoulder bracing, cautioning against the risks of celebratory aerial firing.Uniform and Attire Observations: Observers pointed out that handling primary automatic assault rifles while clad in formal festive wear rather than tactical uniforms raises procedural questions regarding standardized police decorum.Government Response: State Leadership Vows Administrative ReviewThe widespread circulation of the video prompted formal acknowledgment from senior state authorities:Deputy CM Takes Cognizance: Addressing media inquiries regarding the viral video, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that the state home administration is taking formal cognizance of the incident to verify if standard safety guidelines were breached.Internal Assessments Expected: The home department is anticipated to assess whether official protocols governing blank ammunition or live firing during departmental religious ceremonies require tighter regulatory standardization across district police headquarters.