The Chhattisgarh Police issued a show-cause notice to Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police (SP) Ankita Sharma on Thursday (October 22, 2026) after a video surfaced showing her firing an AK-47 rifle into the air during a ‘Shastra Puja’ ritual.
The incident, filmed during Dussehra at the Rajnandgaon Police Lines, drew widespread criticism on social media, including from a former senior Army officer.
“Dangerously incorrect handling of a loaded weapon — All aspects of weapon safety were violated — Pointing a loaded weapon in all directions. Ppl (people) in the background are visibly terrified — Firing a service weapon for an unauthorised act in 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...,” wrote KJS Dhillion, an Army veteran, on X.
Ajay Yadav, Inspector General of Police for the Rajnandgaon Range, confirmed the issuance of the notice. He said the police headquarters found the negative public reaction damaging to the force’s dignity and requested clarification regarding the disregard for safety protocols.
“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,” Mr. Yadav told reporters.
Later, visuals emerged on social media showing several other senior police officers across Chhattisgarh — including in Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham, and Bastar — firing weapons into the air. However, it is unclear if others received similar notices.
There were several comments on social media defending Ms. Sharma, with users arguing that she was being singled out for being a woman, as this is a long-standing tradition during ‘Shastra Puja’. She was unavailable for comment.
Published - October 23, 2026 02:10 am IST