Ajit Pawar scolds woman IPS officer, video viral
Viral video shows Deputy CM Ajit Pawar rebuking IPS officer Anjana Krishna, ordering her to stop crackdown on illegal murrum excavation.
Ajit Pawar’s Rebuke to Woman IPS Officer Over Solapur Excavation Crackdown Sparks Controversy
social media showing him rebuking a woman IPS officer. outrage and debate over political interference in administrative work.
The controversy unfolded in Kurdu village of Karmala taluka, Solapur district, where illegal excavation of murrum—a type of soil widely used in road construction—had been reported by locals. down on the illicit activity.
Clash on GroundHowever, the police team’s intervention did not go smoothly. Villagers, allegedly linked to local contractors, clashed with the officials during the crackdown. The situation escalated further when local NCP workers, including party functionary Baba Jagtap, arrived at the scene.
What followed next was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms. In the clip, Pawar can be heard reprimanding officer Krishna, apparently upset by her refusal to halt the operation despite political pressure.
Pawar’s Angry WordsThe video records Pawar saying in a stern tone:
“Ek minute, main tere upar action lunga. Main khud tumse baat kar raha hoon aur tum mujhse directly baat karne ke liye keh rahi ho. Tumko mera number leke WhatsApp call karna hai. Itna daring ho gaya hai kya? I am speaking to you myself, and you are asking me to contact you directly? You want to see me? Have you become so daring?).”
Has sparked strong reactions, with critics accusing Pawar of attempting to intimidate a government officer carrying out her duty.
The video has gone viral, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties, activists, and ordinary citizens alike. Many have condemned the Deputy CM for allegedly protecting vested interests engaged in illegal excavation instead of supporting lawful action.
Opposition leaders have demanded clarification from Pawar and the state government, arguing that such behavior not only undermines the morale of the police force but also sets a dangerous precedent of political interference in law enforcement. Some even suggested that the officer deserves an official commendation for standing her ground rather than being threatened with “action.”
Civil society activists highlighted that illegal murrum excavation has been a persistent problem in parts of Maharashtra, causing environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and safety hazards for villagers. They pointed out that officers who take a tough stand against the sand and soil mafia often face pressure from local politicians who are allegedly hand-in-glove with contractors.
NCP in Damage Control ModeMeanwhile, the NCP has found itself in damage control mode, with the viral video tarnishing the image of its top leader in the state. Party insiders claim that Pawar’s outburst may have been a reaction to the manner in which the officer responded, but the optics of the confrontation have clearly gone against him.
While Pawar has not issued a detailed public statement yet, sources close to him suggested that his remarks were “misinterpreted” and that he never intended to undermine the officer. However, the political storm shows no signs of abating, as opposition parties continue to question the Deputy CM’s conduct.
Officer Receives SupportOn the other hand, SDPO Anjana Krishna has been receiving widespread support from various quarters for performing her duty despite facing political heat. Former bureaucrats, police veterans, and citizens on social media have hailed her as an example of integrity and courage. Many have urged the state government to ensure that no vindictive action is taken against her.
Broader Questions RaisedThe episode has reignited a long-standing debate about the political–administrative nexus in India. It has raised concerns about how officers working at the grassroots level are frequently pressured to ignore violations of the law when influential political or business interests are involved.
Commentators argue that if senior ministers are seen rebuking or threatening officers in public, it sends a chilling message to the bureaucracy at large. This, they warn, may deter honest officers from taking firm action against illegal activities.
What Lies Ahead?The Maharashtra government is under increasing pressure to address the controversy. Opposition parties are demanding an inquiry, while civil groups want stronger legal safeguards for officers against political intimidation.
For Ajit Pawar, the incident could not have come at a worse time. As a key leader of the NCP and Deputy CM of Maharashtra, his words carry enormous weight. The viral video has not only dented his public image but also provided ammunition to rivals who have long accused him of shielding the interests of local strongmen.
As the debate rages on, the incident in Solapur is likely to remain in the headlines for days to come, serving as yet another reminder of the fragile balance between politics, law enforcement, and public accountability in India.