The controversy has quickly evolved beyond a viral social media moment. It now raises larger questions about firearm discipline, celebratory firing, accountability among public officials, and whether individuals in positions of authority are held to the same standards expected from ordinary citizens.

At the center of the discussion is IPS officer Ankita Sharma, popularly known on social media as “Lady Singham”, who currently serves as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh.

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Who Is Ankita Sharma?

Ankita Sharma is one of Chhattisgarh’s most recognized IPS officers and has built a significant public presence through social media. Apart from her policing duties, she enjoys a large following on various platforms where she frequently shares glimpses of her professional life and public engagements.

Because of her active online presence and strong public image, videos involving her often attract widespread attention. This was exactly the case when footage emerged showing her handling and firing an AK-47 rifle during Shastra Puja celebrations organized on Vijayadashami.

The video rapidly spread across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), gathering lakhs of views and generating mixed reactions from users across India.

What Happened During the Shastra Puja Ceremony?

The incident reportedly occurred at the police lines in Rajnandgaon during Vijayadashami celebrations.

Shastra Puja, which literally means the worship of weapons, is a traditional ritual observed during Dussehra or Vijayadashami. The ceremony is practiced across various sections of Indian society, including military units, police forces, and security organizations.

During the ceremony, weapons and equipment symbolizing duty, protection, and preparedness are worshipped.

In the viral video, Ankita Sharma can be seen handling and firing an AK-47 rifle while senior police officials and personnel are present nearby.

Although supporters viewed the act as part of traditional celebrations associated with Shastra Puja, critics argued that the event crossed the line from ceremonial observance into unnecessary and potentially unsafe weapon usage.

The Lady Singham IPS Ankita Sharma AK-47 Viral Video soon became one of the most discussed law enforcement-related viral clips online.

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Why Did Army Veterans Criticize the Video?

The strongest criticism came from retired officers of the Indian Army who argued that weapon safety rules appeared to have been ignored.

Several veterans stressed that regardless of rank, designation, or occasion, firearm handling must follow strict protocols.

According to them, weapons are not symbols for public spectacle but tools designed for operational requirements and lawful duties.

The criticism primarily focused on:

• Muzzle control
• Handling of a loaded firearm
• Safety of people nearby
• Direction of firing
• Necessity of ammunition discharge
• Professional standards expected from officers

Many veterans stated that these concerns should not be viewed as personal criticism of an individual officer but rather as concerns about institutional discipline and professional conduct.

Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon Calls It a “Black Demo of Authority Without Responsibility”

One of the most notable reactions came from Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon (Retired), former commander of the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps.

Reacting to the viral video, he said:

“All aspects of safety of weapon handling were violated.”

According to the retired general, several basic firearm safety principles that are routinely taught to military and police personnel appeared to have been ignored.

He also expressed concern about the presence of people standing close to the firing area, suggesting that some individuals appeared uncomfortable and concerned during the firing sequence.

Dhillon further criticized what he described as an unauthorized firing demonstration and questioned whether proper procedures had been followed before the weapon was discharged.

“Such irresponsible action can cause death or hurt to self or others.”

He described the incident as:

“A black demo of authority without responsibility.”

The retired Army commander also argued that disciplinary action should be considered in situations where weapon safety standards are ignored, regardless of the rank of the individual involved.

What all is wrong in this video:-
– Dangerously incorrect handling of a loaded weapon
– All aspects of safety of weapon handling violated
– Pointing a loaded weapon in all directions. Ppl in background are visibly terrified
– Firing a service weapon for an unauthorised act in a non authorised dress
– Basic weapon handling drill taught in the trg academies not adhered to
– Such irresponsible action can cause death or hurt to self or others
– Overall a black demo of authority w/o responsibility
– Such acts of indiscipline must be appropriately punished to avoid reoccurrence

— KJS DHILLON🇮🇳 (@TinyDhillon) October 21, 2026

Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Singh Sheoran Gives Mixed Assessment

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Singh Sheoran offered a more balanced assessment.

While criticizing the circumstances surrounding the firing, he acknowledged that Ankita Sharma appeared comfortable and familiar with the weapon.

According to Sheoran:

“There are two aspects to this video: one positive and one negative.”

The retired officer praised what appeared to be competent weapon handling but simultaneously raised concerns regarding inadequate safety measures.

He suggested that Sharma may have received prior firearms training, possibly through organizations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

However, his primary concern centered on why live ammunition was fired into the air during a ceremonial event.

Sheoran stated:

“Firing into the air is a waste of ammunition.”

He further argued that celebratory firing does not align with modern firearm discipline and could expose people to unnecessary risks.

Fortunately, no injuries or accidents were reported following the event.

Yet critics insist that the absence of an accident alone cannot justify potentially unsafe actions.

There are two aspects to this video: one positive and one negative. On the positive side,the IAS officer appears to know how to handle a weapon effectively. Perhaps she attended the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during college. The second aspect concerns safety procedures, which were very poor. First,firing into the air is a waste of ammunition; this is not a public celebration in Pakistan’s NWFP. Such firing violates safety standards, and the organisers should be held accountable. Fortunately, no accident occurred.

— Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran, Veteran (@sushilskinner) October 20, 2026

Shastra Puja Is About Worshipping Weapons, Not Firing Them

Another strong reaction emerged from retired Lieutenant Colonel Sandeep Ahlawat.

Although he did not directly mention Ankita Sharma by name, his comments were widely interpreted as referring to the ongoing debate surrounding the viral video.

Ahlawat made a clear distinction between operational use of weapons and ceremonial observances.

He said:

“Those who fire weapons in life and death situations and combat operations never fire them at ceremonial functions or weddings.”

The statement quickly gained traction online.

To support his point, Ahlawat shared footage of Indian Army personnel conducting Shastra Puja for military equipment and drones without discharging ammunition.

In another post, he elaborated further:

“Shastra Puja is about honouring weapons, not firing them.”

According to him, the purpose of the ritual is to show respect toward equipment that protects the nation and supports official duties.

The ceremony does not require firing ammunition to be meaningful or authentic.

Those who fire weapons in life and death situations & combat operations never fire them at ceremonial functions or weddings.

Those who fire weapons at ceremonial functions & weddings have never fired them in combat operations.

For context- This is how शस्त्र पूजा is conducted 👇

— Sandeep Ahlawat (@SandyAhlawat89) October 21, 2026

Understanding the Purpose of Shastra Puja

Shastra Puja has deep cultural and historical significance in India.

The tradition dates back centuries and symbolizes respect for tools, weapons, and equipment that help individuals fulfill their responsibilities.

For soldiers, police officers, and security personnel, weapons represent:

• Duty
• Preparedness
• Sacrifice
• Security
• Professional responsibility

During Vijayadashami celebrations, these tools are cleaned, decorated, and worshipped as a sign of gratitude and respect.

Importantly, traditional observance does not generally require the firing of live rounds.

This is one reason many veterans objected to the viral display.

According to them, worshipping a weapon and firing it are two entirely different activities.

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How Dangerous Is an AK-47 Bullet Fired Into the Air?

A major concern raised in the controversy involves the potential danger associated with firing live ammunition into the air.

The AK-47 is one of the most widely used assault rifles in the world and is known for its reliability and powerful ammunition.

The weapon fires 7.62×39 mm cartridges at extremely high speed.

When a bullet leaves the barrel, it carries significant kinetic energy.

Many people mistakenly assume that a bullet fired upward becomes harmless once it loses upward momentum.

Ballistics experts and firearm safety professionals disagree.

A bullet fired into the air eventually falls back to the ground under the influence of gravity.

Depending on:

• Angle of firing
• Wind conditions
• Ammunition type
• Bullet stability
• Impact location

A descending bullet can cause serious injuries and, in some circumstances, death.

This is why security agencies worldwide discourage random celebratory firing.

A person affected by a falling bullet may be located far away from the original firing position, making such incidents difficult to predict and investigate.

Why Weapon Safety Rules Matter

Weapon safety protocols are designed to prevent accidents before they happen.

Professional security agencies emphasize several universal principles:

Treat Every Weapon as Loaded

Even if an individual believes a weapon is unloaded, it should always be handled as though it contains live ammunition.

Control the Muzzle Direction

The firearm should never be pointed toward an unsafe direction.

Know the Target and Beyond

Users must understand where the projectile may travel after leaving the weapon.

Fire Only in Authorized Conditions

Ammunition should only be discharged when justified by training, operations, or legally approved activities.

The criticism surrounding the Lady Singham IPS Ankita Sharma AK-47 Viral Video largely revolves around these established principles.

What Does Indian Law Say About Celebratory Firing?

The controversy has also revived discussions regarding Indian firearm laws.

Under the Arms Act, authorities can take action against reckless or negligent use of firearms that endangers human life or public safety.

Legal experts note that celebratory gunfire has increasingly come under scrutiny due to incidents involving injuries and deaths caused by falling bullets.

The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019 strengthened provisions related to dangerous weapon usage and celebratory firing practices.

The law recognizes that firing a weapon during public gatherings or celebrations can pose risks even when the shooter does not intend harm.

However, legal experts also caution against drawing definitive conclusions solely based on a short viral video.

Any determination regarding legality would require detailed examination of:

• Official authorization
• Location of firing
• Nature of the event
• Safety arrangements
• Applicable police rules
• Service regulations

As of now, the debate remains largely focused on professional conduct and safety protocols rather than any confirmed legal violation.

Social Media Debate Expands Beyond the Video

As discussions intensified, the controversy evolved into a much broader debate regarding accountability among government officials.

Many users questioned whether public servants are subjected to the same scrutiny that ordinary citizens would face in similar situations.

Several viral posts criticized what they described as a culture of authority without accountability.

Others defended Ankita Sharma, arguing that she was participating in an official police function and that critics were overreacting.

This divide reflects a growing online trend where every high-profile incident involving public officials becomes part of a larger debate about governance, public trust, and institutional responsibility.

Supporters emphasized:

• Her professional record
• Her confidence with weapons
• Context of an official function

Critics highlighted:

• Firearm discipline
• Public safety concerns
• Symbolic misuse of authority
• Potential double standards

The disagreement ensured that the story remained at the center of online discussions long after the video first surfaced.

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Why the Viral Video Continues to Generate Attention

The Lady Singham IPS Ankita Sharma AK-47 Viral Video combines several elements that naturally attract public attention.

These include:

• A high-profile IPS officer
• A powerful assault rifle
• Dussehra celebrations
• Social media virality
• Public safety concerns
• Reactions from retired Army officers
• Questions about accountability

Because the debate involves both cultural traditions and modern firearm safety standards, opinions remain sharply divided.

Some see the incident as harmless participation in a ceremonial event, while others view it as a troubling example of poor weapon discipline.

Conclusion

The Lady Singham IPS Ankita Sharma AK-47 Viral Video has become far more than a viral social media clip. It has sparked an important national conversation about weapon safety, public responsibility, professional discipline, and accountability within institutions entrusted with firearms.

While no accident was reported and supporters continue to defend the officer, the criticism from retired Army veterans highlights a crucial point: firearm safety standards exist for a reason, and even symbolic or ceremonial use of weapons must be approached with caution.

The incident also serves as a reminder that in today’s digital age, actions performed during official events can quickly become subjects of nationwide debate. Whether viewed as a celebratory moment or a lapse in judgment, the viral video has undoubtedly reignited discussions around how authority, responsibility, and safety should coexist in public life.