Who Is IPS officer Ankita Sharma? Viral Dussehra video shows her firing AK-47 in Saree
Babushahi Bureau
Rajnandgaon(Chhattisgarh), October 21, 2026: A video of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ankita Sharma firing an AK-47 rifle during a Dussehra weapon-worship ceremony in Chhattisgarh has gone viral on social media, bringing renewed attention to her policing career and journey into the civil services.
Sharma, who belongs to the 2018 batch of the Chhattisgarh cadre, was seen handling the rifle after participating in the traditional shastra puja at the police lines in Rajnandgaon. According to media reports, she fired nine rounds into the air during the ceremony, which was attended by police personnel and senior officers.
The video has drawn mixed reactions online. While some users have praised her confidence and firearm-handling skills, others have questioned the safety aspects of firing a weapon during a public ceremony. The video has also sparked discussion about the use of firearms during traditional observances.
Who is Ankita Sharma?
Originally from Durg district in Chhattisgarh, Sharma completed her schooling in the region before pursuing higher education in Bhilai. She later prepared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, aiming to join the country’s civil services.
Her journey was not without setbacks. Reports about her career note that she faced difficulties in mathematics during her school years and failed to clear the civil services examination in her first two attempts.
She eventually succeeded in her third attempt in 2018, securing All India Rank 203 and entering the IPS. Her journey is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of academic and competitive-examination challenges.
From early postings to police leadership
After joining the police service, Sharma served in different assignments in Chhattisgarh, including postings in Bhाटapara and Raipur. In May 2022, she was appointed Superintendent of Police of Khairagarh and was reported to be the district’s first woman SP.
Her work in the state, including assignments in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, has contributed to her public profile. She is also popularly referred to as ‘Lady Singham’ in media coverage, a nickname associated with her image of firm policing.
The latest video has once again placed Sharma in the public spotlight. While the Dussehra ceremony follows the tradition of worshipping weapons, the online debate has focused on both the symbolism of the ritual and questions surrounding firearm safety.