Chhattisgarh: Woman IPS Officer Firing In Air From Ak 47 Invites Criticism By Veterans
It is dangerous, says retired army officer: Reports
RAIPUR: A female IPS officer of Chhattisgarh has invited severe flak from several quarters for firing in the air from an AK 47 assault rifle, as part of ‘Shastra Puja’ (weapon worshipping) ritual performed on the occasion of Dussehra festival on Tuesday.
A video showing Rajnandgaon district superintendent of police Ankita Sharma lifting an AK 47 and then opening fire in the air as part of the ritual has gone viral triggering a controversy.
Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Arun Sai has indicated that the state government will take cognizance of the matter.
Former army officer K J S Dhillon took to social media platform ‘X’ to take a swipe at the police officer for her action.
“Dangerously incorrect handing of a loaded weapon. All aspects of safety of weapons handling violated. Pointing a loaded weapon in all directions. Ppl (people) in background are visibly terrified. Firing a service weapon for an unauthorised act in a non authorised dress.”, the post said.
Retired IPS officer of Chhattisgarh R K Vij has also taken exception to such an act by the female police officer, saying that the firing should be carried out only at a safe location and with adequate precautions.
“The tradition is essentially about performing the worship of weapons, not firing them. Such firing carries the risk of accidents and should be avoided”, the police officer, known to be a counterinsurgency expert, said.
A police officer, requesting not to be quoted, however defended his colleague, saying that firing blank rounds, commonly known as ‘awazi kartoos’, is part of the Shastra Puja tradition which is followed across the state.
Live ammunition is not used on such occasions, he said.
