A video showing Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ankita Sharma firing an AK-47 during Vijayadashami celebrations has sparked debate over firearm safety and police conduct. Sharma, the Superintendent of Police in Rajnandgaon and a 2018-batch IPS officer, is popularly known as the state’s “Lady Singham.” In the video, she is seen performing Shastra Puja, a traditional ritual of worshipping weapons, while wearing a saree before firing the rifle. The footage has drawn criticism from former military personnel, who have raised concerns about the safety precautions followed during the event.

Army Veteran Flags Alleged Safety Lapses
Veteran KJS Dhillon criticised the incident in a post on X, alleging that basic firearm safety procedures were not followed. He questioned the handling of a reportedly loaded weapon, its direction during firing and the presence of people in the background. Dhillon also raised concerns about the use of a service weapon for what he described as an unauthorised purpose and criticised the circumstances in which the firing took place. He called for appropriate action, arguing that alleged indiscipline should not go unaddressed.

Another Veteran Raises Questions Over Firing
Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran also commented on the video, offering a more nuanced assessment. He suggested that Sharma appeared familiar with weapon handling, while speculating that she might have received NCC training. However, he described the safety arrangements as inadequate and questioned the decision to fire into the air, citing concerns over ammunition use and firearm safety. He also said that event organisers should be held accountable for the arrangements. No accident was reported in the account provided, but the incident has renewed discussion about responsible firearm handling during public celebrations.

The criticism centres on whether appropriate safety protocols were followed during the ritual. Any official response or departmental action would need to be confirmed through an authoritative statement.