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**Summary:**
A video has surfaced showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar seemingly instructing a female IPS officer to halt action against illegal soil mining. The video shows Pawar asking the officer for her number and initiating a video call after she didn’t recognize his voice. Pawar has since issued a statement claiming he didn’t intend to interfere with law enforcement and was only trying to de-escalate the situation. He also affirmed his respect for female officers and commitment to upholding the law. The controversy stems from Pawar allegedly speaking to the officer through an NCP worker’s phone and telling her to stop the crackdown on illegal mining in the Solapur district.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Faces Backlash Over Viral Video Allegedly Halting Illegal Mining Action**
**Mumbai:** Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is under fire after a video went viral appearing to show him instructing a female IPS officer to stop action against illegal soil mining in the Solapur district. The video, which has sparked widespread criticism, allegedly shows Pawar speaking to Karjala’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anjana Krishna, through an NCP worker’s phone.
According to reports, the female IPS officer did not recognize his voice. Pawar then reportedly asked for her contact number, stating, “Give me your number, I will make a video call. Don’t you recognize my voice? I am Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar speaking.” In the video, he can be heard telling the officer to cease the crackdown on illegal soil excavation.
The incident reportedly occurred when the officer was intervening to stop illegal soil mining activities.
Facing mounting pressure, Ajit Pawar issued a statement on social media platform X on Friday, claiming his intention was not to interfere with legal procedures but rather to maintain peace and prevent further escalation of the situation on the ground.
“My attention has been drawn to certain videos circulating regarding my interaction with police officers in Solapur. I want to state unequivocally that my intention was not to interfere with law enforcement but rather to ensure that the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further,” Pawar wrote.
He further emphasized his respect for the police force and female officers. “I hold the police force and its officers, including women officers, in the highest regard. I hold the rule of law paramount. I am strongly committed to ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly according to the law,” he added.
The controversy continues to unfold as opposition parties are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter, questioning the Deputy CM’s conduct and potential abuse of power.
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