A video showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reprimanding a woman IPS officer has gone viral, igniting a fiery debate over political interference in law enforcement.
What Happened?
- The clip features Ajit Pawar purportedly speaking to Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjana Krishna from Solapur’s Karmala taluka. He was on the phone of an NCP worker, addressing Krishna while she was taking action against illegal excavation of murrum soil.
- Krishna responded she couldn’t confirm if she was speaking to the deputy CM and asked him to call her personally. Pawar then became agitated, saying, “How dare you?” He offered to video call to prove his identity and insisted that the officer halt her actions and report back to her office.
Political Reactions
- Opposition parties accused Pawar of hindering police action and protecting political interests in the sand mining case. NCP (SP) leaders echoed villagers’ grievances, arguing Pawar interfered to shield party affiliates.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized Pawar’s conduct as intimidation of a female officer, stressing such behavior undermines gender respect and administrative integrity.
NCP Responds
- NCP State President Sunil Tatkare defended Pawar, stating his remarks were meant to pacify party workers, not to obstruct the operation. He characterized the clip’s release as a deliberate leak aimed at political defamation.
- Party spokesperson Anand Paranjape added that Pawar merely instructed the officer to convey to the tehsildar that the action was being deferred—not halted indefinitely.
On-the-Ground Details
- The incident occurred in Kurdu village, Madha taluka (Solapur), where Krishna was enforcing laws against illegal murrum mining. A local NCP worker, implicated in the dispute, handed over the phone to station the call.
- The officer stood firm, insisting on confirming his identity before compliance. The video captures Pawar’s frustration and abrupt directives.
Why It Matters
- The video raises serious concerns about political influence on policing and the undermining of bureaucratic autonomy.
- The tone and language has sparked debates on executive overreach, especially when aimed at senior female officers.
- Amid internal party tensions, this incident underscores how local governance, politics, and law enforcement can collide—jeopardizing public trust.
Summary
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Ajit Pawar rebukes IPS officer Anjana Krishna during anti-murrum action |
| Officer Response | Asked to call personally to confirm identity |
| Political Fallout | Opposition accuses Pawar of stonewalling duties |
| Party Defense | NCP claims intervention was to calm party cadre |
| Implications | Raises red flags on political interference in policing |