📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Fredericknoronha
Religion
IPS Officer Ankita Sharma draws criticism for AK-47 discharge at Vijayadashami Shastra puja
✍️ Livemint
🗓 25 Oct 2026, 03:32 AM
👁 11
IPS officer Ankita Sharma faced public backlash after she discharged an AK‑47 rifle during a Vijayadashami Shastra puja, sparking debate over police conduct in religious ceremonies.
During a Vijayadashami Shastra puja, IPS officer Ankita Sharma discharged an AK‑47 rifle, an act that quickly attracted media attention. The incident occurred as part of the traditional ceremony, but the use of a firearm raised immediate concerns among observers.
The firing prompted a wave of criticism on social media and among local residents, many of whom questioned the appropriateness of a police officer handling a weapon in a religious setting. Commentators highlighted the potential for public safety risks and the symbolic impact of such an act.
Law enforcement officials have not released an official statement regarding the incident, and inquiries are reportedly underway to determine whether standard protocols were breached. The episode has reignited a broader discussion about the conduct expected of police personnel during cultural and religious events.
The firing prompted a wave of criticism on social media and among local residents, many of whom questioned the appropriateness of a police officer handling a weapon in a religious setting. Commentators highlighted the potential for public safety risks and the symbolic impact of such an act.
Law enforcement officials have not released an official statement regarding the incident, and inquiries are reportedly underway to determine whether standard protocols were breached. The episode has reignited a broader discussion about the conduct expected of police personnel during cultural and religious events.