Rajnandgaon: A case involving Rajnandgaon SP Ankita Sharma firing an AK-47—ostensibly as a celebratory gesture—during the ‘Shastra Pujan’ (worship of weapons) ceremony held at the Police Lines on the occasion of Vijayadashami, has become a subject of discussion. Amidst questions regarding her firing technique and adherence to police protocols for handling weapons, the Police Headquarters has taken the matter seriously. Consequently, the Inspector General (IG) of the Rajnandgaon Range, Ajay Yadav, has sought an explanation from the SP.
The ‘Shastra Pujan’ ceremony was held in the traditional manner at the Reserve Centre of the Police Lines in Rajnandgaon on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Senior police officers, including SP Ankita Sharma, were present at the event. During the ritual, weapons were ceremonially worshipped, with prayers offered to Goddess Durga to grant the strength to eradicate evil and ensure the safety of the public.
During the event, SP Ankita Sharma—who was wearing a saree—fired an AK-47. Following the emergence of videos and photographs of the incident, questions were raised regarding her firing technique and the decorum expected of a police officer. After comments from experts, the matter reached the Police Headquarters.
Police Headquarters Takes Cognizance
IG (Rajnandgaon Range) Ajay Yadav stated that the matter has come to his attention and has also been reported to the Police Headquarters. Treating the incident with seriousness, the Police Headquarters has sought an explanation from the SP.
According to the IG, the tradition of ‘Shastra Pujan’ is observed across all districts within the police department on Vijayadashami. However, an explanation has been sought regarding the celebratory firing by the SP in Rajnandgaon, in light of the concerns raised in the media and questions concerning compliance with police weapon-handling regulations.
Further Action to be Determined After Explanation
IG Ajay Yadav clarified that the matter will be reviewed once a response is received from SP Ankita Sharma. Subsequently, the case will be forwarded to the Police Headquarters, accompanied by his own observations and recommendations.
Further action will be taken based on the directives received from the Police Headquarters. For now, attention remains focused on the SP’s clarification regarding the matter and the next steps to be taken by the police headquarters.
