A dramatic confrontation between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and 2023-batch IPS officer Anjali Krishna has set off a firestorm across the state after a video of their heated exchange during an anti-encroachment drive in Solapur district went viral.
The incident unfolded in Kurdu village of Madha taluka, where DSP Krishna, posted in Karmala, was leading a crackdown on illegal excavation following complaints from locals. Reports suggest that when those involved resisted and allegedly issued threats, local strongman Baba Jagtap intervened by calling Ajit Pawar directly.
अजित पवारांचा #IPS अधिकाऱ्याला थेट फोन आणि व्हिडिओ कॉलद्वारे "कारवाई थांबवा"चा आदेश. हा सत्तेचा दुरूपयोग आहे.DySP अंजली कृष्णा यांनी कायदा पाळला, पण उपमुख्यमंत्र्यांनी धमकावलं? मुरुमासाठी इतका हस्तक्षेप का? महाराष्ट्रात खरंच काय चाललंय? अशाच कामांसाठी राज्यातील नेत्यांना आपल्या… pic.twitter.com/bP4uoiStqK
— Vijay Kumbhar (@VijayKumbhar62) September 4, 2025
In the viral clip, Pawar can be heard ordering the officer to stop the operation and “coordinate with the tehsildar instead.” When Krishna sought clarification, Pawar identified himself and snapped: “You don’t recognise my face? I’ll take action against you. You’re showing too much daring.” He is also reported to have video-called the officer to repeat his instructions, insisting she halt the proceedings immediately.
The exchange, which lasted only minutes, has since snowballed into a major controversy. Opposition leaders have accused Pawar of abusing political power to shield illegal activities, while citizens on social media have hailed DSP Krishna for her courage and composure under pressure.
Anjali Krishna’s background has only added to the public sympathy. A native of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, she cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2022 with an All India Rank of 355, joining the Indian Police Service against all odds. The daughter of a cloth shop owner and a court typist, Krishna is known for her integrity and fearless approach to policing.
