Who is IPS Officer Ankita Sharma? How She Created Controversy By Firing AK-47 During Vijayadashami Shastra Puja

Senior IPS officer and Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police (SP) Ankita Sharma recently went viral after a video of her firing an AK-47 during an event went viral. Clad in a sari, she fired several shots at police lines in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. She performed the traditional shastra puja on Dussehra and fired about nine shots into the air, according to several reports.

IPS Ankita Sharma AK-47 firing controversy

The video drew mixed reactions. While some people on the internet praised her for her confidence, a section of people questioned the safety of firearms and wondered how safe it is to shoot off-duty.

Who is IPS Ankita Sharma

Ankita Sharma is a 2018 batch from Indian Police Service. She is a Chhattisgarh cadre officer and hails from Durg district of Chhattisgarh. She is popularly known as ‘Lady Singham’.

Sharma studied in the region before moving to Bhilai for graduation and post-graduation. She attended St Xavier’s School in Durg.

Her journey into the Indian police force was marred by academic struggles. She faced failures in the UPSC Civil Services exam. According to reports, she scored just 5 out of 50 in maths in 5th grade and had to appear for a supplementary exam. During her early school years, she described herself as an average student. Her approach to studies changed in 9th grade after she opted for commerce. Sharma reportedly scored 92% in her Class 10 and 90% in Class 12 exams.

After graduation, she enrolled in an MBA program but later dropped out to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services exam.

UPSC Inspirational Journey

Sharma’s UPSC journey included two failed attempts before she cleared all the rounds in 2018. In her first attempt, she reportedly missed qualifying for the next stage by 15 marks in the mains exam, while in her second attempt she failed to clear the preliminary exam. She succeeded in her third attempt, secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 203 and joined the Indian Police Service.

Sharma started her police career with her posting in Bhatapara and later served as the City Superintendent of Police in the Azad Chowk area of Raipur. According to reports, she was appointed Superintendent of Police in Khairagarh in May 2022, becoming the first woman SP in the district. She has also been associated with police operations in Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh.

Her recent appearance during the Dussehra gun worship ceremony brought her back into the limelight.

Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Police has issued a notice to IPS Ankita Sharma in this matter.