Pune: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Responds to Viral Video of Solapur IPS Officer; Says, “No Intention to Interfere”
Pune, 5th September 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has issued a clarification after a video of him allegedly reprimanding a woman IPS officer over the phone went viral on social media, triggering a political storm.
In the video, Pawar is purportedly heard speaking to Anjana Krishna, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Karmala, through the phone of an NCP worker. Reports claim that when the officer did not recognize his voice, Pawar later connected via video call and allegedly instructed her to halt action against illegal excavation of murrum, a material widely used in road construction.
Reacting to the controversy, Pawar posted on X (formerly Twitter), “My attention has been drawn to certain videos circulating regarding my interaction with police officials in Solapur. Let me state clearly that my intention was not to interfere with law enforcement but to ensure that the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further.”
He further added, “I have the highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers who serve with distinction and courage, and I value the rule of law above all. I remain firmly committed to transparent governance and to ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly as per the law.”
Political Reactions:
NCP state president Sunil Tatkare defended Pawar, saying the video had been “deliberately leaked.” He added, “Ajit Dada may have chided the IPS officer to placate party workers. He didn’t mean to stop the action completely. He is known for his straight talk and never supports illegal activity. He perhaps meant to briefly defuse the situation.”
However, the opposition mounted a sharp attack. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Pawar of shielding those engaged in illegal mining. “The Deputy CM is asking an IPS officer to back illegal activities but preaches about law and discipline to others. Ajit Pawar has no right to remain in government. In the past, leaders resigned on moral grounds over similar controversies,” Raut said.
