IPS Ankita Sharma Spotlight: From Anti-Naxal Operations to AK-47 Firing Controversy
Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ankita Sharma, who gained public attention for her work in Naxal-affected areas and received praise from Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, has been issued a show-cause notice after a video of her firing an AK-47 during Dussehra celebrations went viral.
CGNEWS24 | Chhattisgarh
Raipur/Rajnandgaon, October 23, 2026: Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ankita Sharma is once again in the spotlight, but this time for a controversy that has triggered a debate over firearm safety and police discipline. The Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police (SP) was issued a show-cause notice by the Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters after a video showing her firing an AK-47 rifle following a traditional Shastra Puja ceremony on Dussehra went viral on social media.
The incident took place on October 20 at the Police Lines in Rajnandgaon during Vijayadashami celebrations. According to reports, Sharma, dressed in a saree, was seen firing several rounds from an AK-47 after the weapon-worship ritual. The footage attracted widespread attention, with social media users divided over the practice and the safety protocols followed during the ceremony.
Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police Ajay Yadav confirmed that the police headquarters had sought an explanation from Sharma. The authorities raised concerns over whether the act complied with prescribed weapon-handling rules and noted the negative public reaction to the video.
The matter is now subject to the official clarification process, and further action will depend on the officer’s response and the directions issued by the police headquarters.
Who Is IPS Ankita Sharma?
Ankita Sharma is a 2018-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre. She secured All India Rank 203 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination after her third attempt, a milestone that brought her recognition among civil services aspirants.
Born in Durg district of Chhattisgarh, Sharma pursued her education before preparing for the highly competitive UPSC examination. Her journey involved setbacks, but she continued working towards her ambition of joining the Indian Police Service.
Her success has frequently been cited as an example of perseverance and determination for young people preparing for competitive examinations, particularly women aspiring to careers in policing and public administration.
Her Work in Naxal-Affected Areas Drew Attention
Sharma gained wider public recognition through her policing assignments, including her involvement in anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region, one of Chhattisgarh’s most challenging security areas.
Her work in a region affected by Left-Wing Extremism brought attention to the role of women officers in field operations and law enforcement. Her public image became associated with courage, determination and a willingness to take on demanding responsibilities.
Her profile also attracted attention on social media, where her work was discussed beyond the state’s borders.
Why Did Raveena Tandon Praise Ankita Sharma?
Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon previously praised Sharma in connection with the attention surrounding the IPS officer’s work in the Naxal-affected region. The appreciation helped bring Sharma into the wider public conversation and highlighted the visibility of women serving in challenging policing assignments.
For many followers, Sharma became an example of a woman officer taking on responsibilities traditionally associated with male-dominated security roles.
However, the latest controversy has shifted the focus from her professional journey to questions about firearm handling, safety procedures and the conduct expected of senior police officers.
AK-47 Firing During Shastra Puja Triggers Debate
The viral footage has prompted differing reactions. Some social media users defended the firing as part of a longstanding ceremonial practice associated with Shastra Puja. Others questioned whether firing a service weapon into the air was appropriate and whether adequate safety precautions had been followed.
Retired IPS officer R.K. Vij said weapon firing should take place only at a safe location and with proper precautions. The incident has also renewed discussion about the risks associated with celebratory firing and the importance of following established weapon-handling procedures.
Rajnandgaon Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore was also seen firing an AK-47 in a separate video following the ceremony. Videos of police personnel firing weapons after Shastra Puja were reported from other districts of Chhattisgarh as well.
The controversy has therefore extended beyond one viral clip, raising broader questions about ceremonial practices, professional discipline and uniform enforcement of safety standards.
What Happens Next?
The immediate issue is the explanation sought from Sharma by the police headquarters. According to IG Ajay Yadav, the officer’s response will be examined before the matter is forwarded with his observations for further directions.
As of October 23, 2026, the reported action is a show-cause notice. The final outcome will depend on the official process, and the notice itself should not be treated as a final finding of misconduct.
For Sharma, whose career has attracted attention for both her UPSC success and her field assignments, the episode represents a significant moment of public scrutiny.
The coming developments will determine how the authorities assess the incident and whether any further action follows.
