Ajit Pawar Caught on Camera Rebukeing Woman IPS Officer

A video purportedly showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a heated exchange with a woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer has gone viral, sparking widespread debate and drawing criticism from various quarters. The incident, which reportedly took place in the Solapur district, has put the spotlight on the interaction between political leaders and civil servants.

The Incident in Detail

The viral video clip, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows Ajit Pawar on a phone call. According to reports, the call was made from the phone of a local Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) worker to IPS officer Anjana Krishna, a sub-divisional police officer in Karmala. The officer was reportedly at the site of a police action against the illegal excavation of ‘murrum’ soil, a material used in road construction.

In the video, the IPS officer can be heard politely asking the person on the other end to call her on her direct number to verify his identity. This is a standard protocol for officials to ensure they are not speaking to an imposter. However, this request seems to have angered the Deputy CM.

“Ek min, main tere upar action lunga (I will take action against you),” Pawar is heard saying. He then allegedly follows up with, “I am myself talking to you and you are asking me to call you directly. You want to see me. Take my number and make a WhatsApp call. Itna aapko daring hua hai kya (How dare you?)”

Pawar then reportedly switches to a video call and sternly orders the officer to stop the ongoing action. The officer, in her defense, reiterated that she had not been able to recognize his voice. The Deputy CM then allegedly asks her if she would recognize his face, underscoring his position.

Political Reactions and Defense

The video has led to significant public backlash, with many social media users and political commentators criticizing the Deputy CM for his aggressive tone and alleged attempt to obstruct an official’s duty. The incident has been seen by many as an example of political pressure on government officials who are attempting to enforce the law.

In response, the Nationalist Congress Party has come to Ajit Pawar’s defense. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare stated that the video clip was intentionally leaked and its context has been distorted. He claimed that Pawar’s intention was not to stop the legal action but rather to pacify angry party workers at the site.

Tatkare further added that Ajit Pawar is known for his straightforward demeanor and has never supported illegal activities. The party’s argument is that the Deputy CM’s remarks were aimed at temporarily defusing a tense situation and not to permanently halt the police operation.

A Deeper Look at the Issues

This incident has raised several key questions about the conduct of public officials and the challenges faced by civil servants. The officer’s request for a direct call to verify the identity of the person on the other end is a testament to the importance of following protocol in a bureaucracy. This also highlights the potential for misuse of power and the pressure that officials may face from political figures.

The controversy also brings to light the ongoing issue of illegal sand and soil mining, which is a major concern in many parts of the country. Police and administrative officers who attempt to crack down on these illegal activities often face pressure from local power brokers and, at times, even political figures.

As the video continues to circulate, it remains to be seen what official action, if any, will be taken in the matter. However, the incident has already ignited a debate about the integrity of the administrative system and the need for a clear and respectful separation of powers between the political executive and the civil services.