Maharashtra Political Firestorm: Ajit Pawar Accused of Intimidating Young IPS Officer During Solapur Crackdown

Solapur: Solapur has been thrust into the eye of a political hurricane after a viral video allegedly captured Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar pressuring IPS officer Anjali Krishna to stop an anti-encroachment drive. The explosive footage, now fueling outrage across Maharashtra, shows what many see as a brazen attempt to shield illegal soil excavation in Madha taluka’s Kurdu village.

The controversy erupted when Krishna, a 2023-batch IPS officer serving as DSP in Karmala, led her team to halt excavation activities following repeated complaints from villagers. Eyewitness accounts suggest local mafias resisted her action and even issued threats. In a dramatic twist, strongman Baba Jagtap reportedly dialed Ajit Pawar, setting the stage for a fiery confrontation that has now become a national talking point.

Who is Anjali Krishna?

Anjali Krishna’s journey has become central to the narrative. The Kerala-born officer cracked the UPSC Civil Services in 2022 with AIR 355 and quickly earned a reputation for her uncompromising honesty. Raised by a father running a modest cloth shop and a mother employed as a court typist, Krishna’s rise to the IPS is often cited as a story of grit and determination.

The Viral Clash

The video shows Pawar identifying himself and bluntly telling the young officer:
“You don’t recognise my face? I’ll take action against you. You’re showing too much daring.”

He reportedly went further, switching to a video call to directly instruct Krishna to withdraw and instead coordinate with the local tehsildar. Despite visible pressure, Krishna pushed back, asking for clarification before halting the operation.

The clip has set social media ablaze, with hashtags demanding accountability trending within hours.

Political Shockwaves

Opposition parties have seized the moment, accusing Ajit Pawar of openly abusing his power to protect illegal activities. “This is not governance, this is bullying,” thundered leaders from rival camps, demanding a probe and Pawar’s apology.