The Chhattisgarh Police administration has issued a formal show-cause notice to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Rajnandgaon, Ankita Sharma, following the emergence of a video in which she is seen discharging an AK-47 rifle into the air. The incident took place during the traditional 'Shastra Puja' ritual observed on the occasion of Dussehra at the Rajnandgaon Police Lines. The footage, which circulated widely on social media platforms, prompted an immediate internal review of the event.
The video triggered a significant wave of criticism from various quarters, including former senior military personnel. One notable critique came from Army veteran KJS Dhillon, who took to social media to highlight multiple procedural failures. Dhillon stated that the handling of the weapon was "dangerously incorrect," pointing out that the officer had violated basic weapon safety protocols. He noted that the firearm was pointed in various directions while loaded, with bystanders in the immediate vicinity appearing visibly concerned. Furthermore, he raised concerns regarding the use of a service weapon for an "unauthorised act" while not in proper uniform, suggesting that such conduct deviates from the standard drills taught at police academies.
Ajay Yadav, the Inspector General of Police for the Rajnandgaon Range, confirmed that the department has taken cognizance of the matter. According to the Inspector General, the police headquarters deemed the negative public reception to the viral footage as damaging to the professional image and dignity of the police force. The show-cause notice has been issued to obtain an official clarification from SP Sharma regarding the alleged disregard for safety protocols during the public event.
Addressing the media, Mr. Yadav explained the procedural path forward for the investigation. He stated that once the department receives a formal response from the Superintendent of Police, he will record his observations on the matter. Subsequently, the entire file, including the officer's explanation and his own report, will be forwarded to the state police headquarters. Any further disciplinary actions will be determined based on the specific directives provided by the headquarters following their review of the findings.
Following the circulation of the video featuring SP Sharma, additional visuals appeared on social media platforms showing other senior police officials across various districts in Chhattisgarh—including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham, and Bastar—engaging in similar practices of firing weapons into the air during festive rituals. At this stage, it remains unclear whether these other officers have also been issued similar show-cause notices or if they are currently under official investigation by the state authorities.
In the wake of the controversy, a segment of social media users has come to the defense of the Rajnandgaon SP. Supporters of the officer argued that she was being unfairly singled out due to her gender, pointing out that such displays involving firearms during 'Shastra Puja' have been a long-standing tradition within certain circles of the force. Despite the widespread public debate surrounding the incident, SP Ankita Sharma has remained unavailable for personal comment.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation regarding the adherence to safety guidelines and the conduct of senior officials in public spaces. As the police force moves to address these concerns, the focus remains on whether the current investigation will lead to a systemic review of how such traditional rituals are performed by law enforcement personnel in the future. The outcome of the SP’s response to the show-cause notice is now awaited by the department, which will ultimately dictate the next steps in this disciplinary process.
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