Ajit Pawar breaks silence after backlash over viral video threatening woman IPS officer

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday, September 5, broke his silence over a viral video in which he allegedly threatened a woman IPS officer with ‘Action’, when she was investigating the complaint of illegal sand mining in Solapur district.

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The minister further said he has the “utmost respect” for the police force and its officers, “including women officers who serve with distinction and courage and above all I appreciate the rule of law.”

“I remain strongly committed to transparent governance and ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly according to law,” Pawar added.

The video of the exchange between the minister and the Indian Police Service (IPS) officer’s wife, Anjana Krishna, went viral on the internet and sparked a debate around the minister’s treatment of law and order officials.

Read More: Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar threatens woman IPS officer during inspection of illegal excavation

Politicians slam Ajit Pawar for remarks

The Maharashtra MP’s remarks sparked a debate on the subject, with state ministers calling out Pawar for his “indecent” language.

Shiv Sena MP (UBT Faction) Sanjay Raut called for protection of the woman officer, adding that she was doing her job as illegal mining caused loss of government exchequer.

“This whole problem involves illegal mining. A young IPS officer, Anjali Krushna, stopped the entire illegal mining operation in her area as it was causing a loss to the government exchequer. She received complaints from local people and managed to stop the work of journalists.

“The officer replied that she would not engage in any illegal activity. Therefore, Ajit Pawar warned not to mess with him… This clearly reflects the state of Maharashtra. I appeal to the Home Minister of this country to provide protection to a young IPS officer,” he added, as per news agency Ani.

Another Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said, “Ajit Pawar is addressing a woman IPS officer Anjali Krishna in absolutely indecent language. It is the responsibility of an IPS officer to stop illegal mining, which she was doing…this is such unfortunate behavior…you (Ajit Pawar) are the minister of the promenade meat chief to make people. You are not on this post to threaten an officer. “

“We would like to ask Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis what action you will take against Ajit Pawar. Will this behavior. Maharashtra,” he added.

Party leaders, allies defend Ajit Pawar

NCP MP Sunil Tatkare defended Pawar saying the allegations against him were baseless.

“Dada never speaks in an arrogant manner. It is his natural tone. The allegations being leveled are baseless. He asks the officer that this must be done… Ajit Dada in Maharashtra is known as a man of commitment; he addresses grievances on an urgent basis,” he told news agency ANI.

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Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said Pawar had “admitted” that he was wrong and the case should be drawn out.

“I think Ajit Pawar is a very strong leader and a good administrator. He later spoke out about what happened. He did it wrongly because he did not know that she was an officer. He also admitted that what he did was not right. So, it is not a matter of dispute,” he was quoted as saying by Ani.