IPS Ankita Sharma Fires AK-47 After Vijayadashami Weapon Worship
Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ankita Sharma drew widespread attention after a video showed her firing an AK-47 rifle following traditional weapon worship during Vijayadashami celebrations on October 20, 2026. The footage, shared widely on social media, showed the police officer participating in the ritual before firing the weapon into the air.
The incident took place in Rajnandgaon, where Sharma serves as Superintendent of Police. The annual Vijayadashami festival, also known as Dussehra, is traditionally associated with the worship of weapons and tools in several parts of India. Police departments also observe Shastra Puja as part of the occasion.
According to media reports, Sharma performed the ritual before taking up the AK-47 and firing several rounds into the air. One report stated that she fired nine rounds. She was seen wearing a traditional saree during the ceremony, a detail that attracted further attention as the video circulated online.
Shastra Puja is observed by some police and security units as a symbolic expression of duty, preparedness and respect for the equipment used in public service. The practice is particularly visible during Vijayadashami, when officials may conduct ceremonies involving weapons and departmental vehicles.
The video generated discussion on social media, with many users focusing on Sharma’s handling of the rifle and the unusual combination of traditional attire and a modern assault rifle. However, reactions online do not necessarily represent public opinion as a whole, and the video alone does not establish how widely the incident was viewed or debated.
The footage also raises a broader question about ceremonial firing and public safety. Firing a weapon into the air can pose risks because bullets eventually return to the ground. Any such activity must be assessed in the context of applicable rules, safety precautions and the circumstances in which the firing occurred.
Media reports described the firing as part of the traditional Vijayadashami celebrations. As of the latest reports reviewed, there was no independently confirmed information establishing that an official inquiry or disciplinary action had been initiated over the incident. The distinction is important because the viral video itself does not establish whether any rules were breached.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the way police departments observe Shastra Puja and balance longstanding ceremonial practices with modern safety standards. While the weapon-worship ritual remains an important tradition for some personnel, any live firing requires appropriate safeguards and compliance with applicable procedures.