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Key Points

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has denied allegations that he threatened a woman IPS officer during a phone call about illegal soil excavation. The controversy stems from a viral video showing Pawar's confrontation with the officer who was investigating complaints in Solapur district. Opposition leaders have accused Pawar of pressuring the officer and demanding protection for party workers involved in the case. Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the clash that occurred during the officer's visit to Kurdu village.

Key Points: Ajit Pawar Denies Threatening IPS Officer Over Illegal Sand Mining

  • Ajit Pawar denies interfering with police work in Solapur investigation
  • Viral video shows confrontation between Pawar and woman IPS officer
  • Opposition demands security for officer after alleged threats
  • Police investigating clash during illegal soil excavation probe
  • Pawar commits to strict action against illegal sand mining activities
3 min read

Ajit Pawar denies threatening IPS officer, says did not interfere with police work

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar responds to viral video showing confrontation with IPS officer during illegal soil excavation probe in Solapur district.

"I have the highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers who serve with distinction - Ajit Pawar"

Mumbai, September 5

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar on Friday reaffirmed his respect for police officers after a viral video went viral showing him allegedly pressuring a woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Solapur district, who was probing complaints of illegal soil excavation.

In a post on X, Pawar said his intention was never to interfere with police work but to ensure that the situation in Solapur "remained calm and did not escalate further."

"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. 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," he wrote.

https://x.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1963904591252336746

Pawar also assured strict action against illegal sand mining, adding, "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."

The remarks came after a viral video surfaced from Kurdu village in Madha tehsil of Solapur, where IPS officer Anjana Krishna had gone on August 21 to investigate complaints of illegal soil excavation for road construction.

A clash broke out between police and villagers, after which the Nationalist Congress Party workers intervened. One of them, Baba Jagtap, handed his phone to the woman IPS officer during the confrontation, connecting her to Pawar.

In the viral video, the IPS officer is heard telling Pawar, "Sir, can you do one thing and call me on my number directly?" To this, Pawar responds, "Just one minute, I will take action against you. I am talking to you, and you are asking me to call you directly. You want to see me? You can take my number and WhatsApp call me. Itna aapko daring hua hai kya? (Are you that daring?)"

The video triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Pawar of threatening the officer and demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provide her security.

"The Deputy CM of Maharashtra threatened her over the phone, telling her that the people involved in that work are from his party and she must protect them. The woman officer replied that she would not engage in any illegal activity. Consequently, Ajit Pawar warned not to mess with him. This is what Ajit Pawar said," Raut alleged.

Police have launched an investigation into the clash in Kurdu village, naming around 15 people in the FIR.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"Are you that daring?" Seriously? This is how our Deputy CM speaks to a woman IPS officer? Shameful! Political interference in police work has become too common in Maharashtra 😠
M
Michael C
As someone working in governance, I understand the need to maintain calm in volatile situations. Perhaps the tone was misinterpreted? But politicians should definitely maintain professional boundaries with law enforcement.
S
Shreya B
Sand mining mafia has deep political connections across parties. This incident just exposes what happens when officers try to do their duty honestly. We need systemic reforms!
A
Aman W
Respect to IPS Anjana Krishna ma'am for handling the situation with courage. Politicians forget that police officers are there to uphold law, not serve their political interests 🙏
K
Karthik V
The real issue is illegal sand mining that's destroying our environment. Instead of political drama, focus on stopping this completely! Every river in Maharashtra is being exploited illegally 😞
N
Neha E
Why is a politician directly talking to an officer during an ongoing investigation? This sets a dangerous precedent. There should be clear protocols to prevent such political interference!

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