Video firing AK-47 on Dussehra goes viral, IPS officer gets show-cause notice

A senior IPS officer in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district has been issued a show-cause notice after a video surfaced showing her firing an AK-47 rifle into the air while dressed in a saree during a traditional weapon-worship ritual on Dussehra. The incident occurred during the "Shastra Puja" at Police Lines on October 20 and sparked controversy on social media, with netizens questioning the safety and discipline of the act.

Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police Ajay Yadav confirmed that IPS officer Ankita Sharma received the notice, stating that the video's viral nature on social media and negative reception prompted the action. The officer was told the video violated safety rules and norms, leading to the issuance of the show-cause notice.

The incident is not unique to Sharma as similar videos of senior police officers from various districts across Chhattisgarh were captured, also firing rifles into the air during the same festival. The tradition of weapon worship is believed to bring good luck, but experts argue that such activities carry risks and should be conducted in safe locations with proper precautions.

A retired IPS officer emphasized that the ritual is about worshipping weapons, not firing them, and that the incident could potentially result in accidents. Social media users expressed mixed opinions, with some defending Sharma's actions, citing her training, while others criticized her for not adhering to basic weapon handling protocols.