Ajit Pawar and IPS Call Controversy: Viral Video Sparks Row
A video of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar speaking sharply to a woman IPS officer during an illegal soil excavation raid in Solapur has set off a storm across political and public circles. The incident has raised bigger questions about the limits of political power and the independence of the police force.
What Happened in Solapur
On August 31 in Kurdu village, IPS officer Anjana Krishna was supervising a raid on illegal murrum excavation when a local NCP worker connected her to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over the phone. Not recognizing his voice, Krishna asked for a direct call. Pawar, reportedly annoyed, identified himself, warned he could take action against her, and switched to a video call where he showed his face and questioned, “How dare you?” while pressing her to stop the raid. The clip soon circulated online, igniting debates across social media and news channels.
Opposition Reaction
After the video came out, the Opposition quickly seized the moment. Several leaders claimed Ajit Pawar was shielding those involved in the illegal excavation and meddling in police work. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut went a step further, calling Pawar’s tone arrogant and an example of power being misused. Others pointed out that the episode highlighted a larger issue – how political influence often overshadows and discourages officers who try to do their job honestly.
Ajit Pawar’s Clarification
After the clip went viral, Ajit Pawar explained that the video captured only a brief moment and did not show the full context. He said his intention was never to stop the police from doing their work but to calm the situation, which had grown tense. The NCP supported him, saying the footage was shared in a way that misrepresented what actually happened and painted him in a negative light.
Amol Mitkari’s Remark and Backlash
The controversy deepened when NCP legislator Amol Mitkari questioned the IPS officer’s credibility, suggesting that her documents should be reviewed because she allegedly did not recognize the Deputy Chief Minister’s voice.
This remark drew strong criticism from activists and political observers, who pointed out that an officer’s role is to enforce the law and serve the public, not identify politicians by their voices. Facing backlash, Mitkari deleted his comment and apologized, clarifying that it reflected his personal view, not the party’s position.
The incident sparked a broader discussion about political influence over honest officers, highlighting the challenge of ensuring that public servants remain accountable to citizens rather than being swayed by political pressure.
Legal Action Taken
Following the incident, Solapur police registered an FIR against several people who were accused of interfering with the raid. Experts have emphasized the importance of safeguarding officers from political pressure, allowing them to carry out their duties freely and uphold the law without fear or influence.
Conclusion
The Ajit Pawar and IPS call episode is more than a viral video. It brings to light the fragile relationship between political authority and administrative freedom. If officers are forced to obey political voices instead of the Constitution, public trust in governance weakens.
While Pawar insists he only tried to keep peace, the optics of scolding a uniformed officer and the comments from his party colleague have left many unsettled. At the heart of the debate is not just one officer’s dignity but the principle that every public servant works for the people, not for individual leaders.
