Fri Sep 05 07:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A video has surfaced in Maharashtra, India, showing Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar allegedly ordering a female IPS officer, Anjana Krishna, to halt action against illegal mining in Solapur district. The incident occurred after the officer intervened in what was suspected to be illegal murrum (soil) excavation. Pawar’s actions have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse him of supporting illegal activities and intimidating the officer. While the officer has not commented, the village head involved confirmed calling Pawar, who then instructed the officer to stop the action. Several political figures have demanded an apology and investigation into Pawar’s conduct.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra Deputy CM Faces Backlash Over Alleged Intervention in Illegal Mining Case**
**Solapur, Maharashtra** – A video circulating online has sparked controversy in Maharashtra, showing Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar purportedly instructing a female IPS officer to cease action related to illegal murrum (soil) mining in the Solapur district.
The incident allegedly occurred in a village in Madha tehsil after Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anjana Krishna intervened in what she suspected was illegal excavation of soil for road construction. Reportedly, villagers were unable to produce royalty receipts for the excavation when asked by the officer, prompting her to halt the activity.
According to reports, the village head, Baba Jagtap, then contacted Deputy CM Pawar, who subsequently spoke to DSP Krishna. The video suggests the officer did not initially recognize Pawar’s voice. The person identifying himself as Pawar allegedly became agitated when the officer asked him to call her on her mobile phone, allegedly scolding her and questioning if she did not recognize him. He then allegedly ordered her to stop the action and inform the tehsildar that he had called.
Opposition parties have condemned Pawar’s actions, accusing him of supporting illegal mining and intimidating a public servant. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare criticized the state government for allegedly harboring “goons.” Leaders from other parties, including the Janshakti Shetkari organization and the Aam Aadmi Party, have demanded an apology from Pawar and called for an investigation. The Janshakti Shetkari organization warned of a farmer’s march towards the Solapur collector’s office if no action is taken within 8 days.
While DSP Krishna has not issued a statement, reports indicate that she stood her ground and refused to release the offenders on the phone order of Ajit Pawar. Officials have also declined to comment, stating only that an “investigation is ongoing.”
The ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) defended Pawar, claiming he was simply responding to the concerns of farmers who were being unfairly targeted by the local officials. The party spokesperson, Anand Paranjape, stated that the video is being misrepresented by media outlets and that Pawar was only instructing the officer to halt the action after understanding the situation.
BJP leaders also defended Pawar, stating that he is not the minister who would scold an officer for illegal work.
The incident has raised questions about the influence of political figures in law enforcement and the handling of illegal mining activities in the state.
First Piper 