At first glance, the video—which has gone viral on social media—resembles a scene from a Hindi film. However, the description clarifies the situation, though it leaves many questions unanswered. The video has ignited a debate regarding safety, discipline, and the protocols for the use of firearms, drawing a wide range of commentary among professionals from the police, the military, and the arms-handling sector .
The video was recorded two days ago, on October 20, on the occasion of Dussehra. The lady firing the assault rifle is not an actor from the film industry., but an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS)- Ankita Sharma, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. The media has dubbed her ‘Lady Singham’. She fired shots during the traditional ‘Shastra Puja’ (worship of weapons) on the day of Vijayadashami.
Indian Army Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon remarked that the firearm was held in a “very dangerous and improper manner.” He alleged that safety protocols for handling weapons were completely violated.
He further stated, “A loaded weapon was being swung in all directions. People standing behind were clearly visibly frightened. A service weapon was used without authorization and while wearing inappropriate attire. Even the basic principles of weapon handling—taught in training academies—were not followed.”
Describing this as a “poor display of authority without responsibility,” he noted that such irresponsible behavior could lead to injuries—to the individual or others—or even result in loss of life. He called for disciplinary action against such “acts of indiscipline.”
Discussing the risks associated with firing a military assault rifle, retired IPS officer R.K. Vij emphasized that such actions should only be performed in a secure environment and with the utmost caution.
He told the news agency PTI, “The tradition primarily involves the worship of weapons, not firing them. Firing in this manner carries the risk of an accident and should therefore be avoided.”
The official further added that a bullet fired into the air eventually falls back to the ground and could injure people nearby.
On Tuesday, additional videos were shared with the media, showing police personnel in districts including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham, and Bastar firing weapons as part of this ritual.
When asked about the video featuring Ankita Sharma, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that the government would take cognizance of the matter.
Show-cause notice:
Following this, the Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters, on Thursday , issued a ‘show cause notice’ to IPS officer Ankita Sharma.
According to a report by the news agency PTI, the headquarters has asked for an explanation for the disregard of security protocols, noting that the negative commentary surrounding the viral video is damaging the dignity of the police force. He added, “Once the response from the SP (Ankita Sharma) is received, I will record my comments and forward the matter to the Police Headquarters.”
Furthermore, questions are being raised: while ‘Shastra Puja’ (the ritual worship of weapons) is a traditional religious practice, why is it necessary to actually fire the weapons during such a ritual?
Who is Ankita Sharma?
Born in Durg, 35-year-old Ankita Sharma is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 2018 batch. Her husband, Vivekanand Shukla, is an officer in the Indian Army. Ankita is the first woman from Chhattisgarh to become an IPS officer. She has also participated in anti-Naxal operations.
