Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar finds himself in controversy after a video went viral showing him arguing with a woman police officer. The incident happened in Solapur district, where the officer was trying to stop illegal excavation of ‘murrum’ soil — a material used in road building.
In the video, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjana Krishna, an IPS officer, approached the site to handle complaints about illegal sand-mining. As she was doing her duty, Ajit Pawar called her on the phone and asked why she asked for his contact. The officer was confused and said she didn’t realize she was talking to the Deputy Chief Minister.
Pawar then told her to stop taking action against the illegal excavation. He asked her to identify him and warned, “Stop your action, or I will take action against you.”
The woman responded that she was only doing her job based on a complaint and needed to confirm who she was speaking to. Pawar, clearly upset, said, “I am the Deputy Chief Minister. Give me your number, and I will call you.” He also questioned if she recognized his face and warned, “Action will be taken against you.”
Despite the tension, Pawar later posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he respects the police and their work. He said his goal was to keep the situation calm and emphasized his support for law enforcement. He added that he is committed to cracking down on illegal activities, including sand mining.
The incident drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut accused Ajit Pawar of trying to protect criminals and said he had no right to remain in government. He claimed the illegal sand excavation causes loss to the state and that ministers should be ashamed.
Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania also condemned the event, saying police officers like Anjana Krishna want to do good for the country but face threats from bigger bosses. She noted that this fear stops many officials from acting against illegal activities.
On the other hand, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, tried to downplay the controversy. NCP leader Sunil Tatkare explained that Pawar’s call was a “usual tone” and meant to temporarily pause the operation, not completely stop it. Tatkare said Pawar often talks to officials to resolve issues or understand the situation better.
He added that the illegal excavation had been approved by local authorities and was necessary due to damaged roads. NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjape also said the controversy was blown out of proportion and that Pawar’s intentions were misinterpreted.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate over illegal mining, police authority, and political interference in Maharashtra. While some see it as an overreach by a politician, others argue it’s a sign of strained law enforcement efforts.
