Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday issued an explanation over his video in which he can be seen arguing with woman IPS officer posted in Solapur over call.
The Deputy CM said that he have highest respect for the police officers and his intention was not to interfere with the law enforcement.
"My attention has been drawn to certain videos circulating regarding my interaction with police officials in Solapur. Let me state clearly that my intention was not to interfere with law enforcement but to ensure that the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further," he said in a post on X.
"I have the highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers who serve with distinction and courage and I value the rule of law above all. I remain firmly committed to transparent governance and to ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly as per the law," he added.
The viral video shows Ajit Pawar purportedly chiding the officer who was in the midst of taking action against illegal excavation of ‘murrum’ soil in Solapur district.
The NCP, however, clarified that Pawar did not seek to obstruct the action. It also stated that the video of the incident was leaked intentionally.
In the clip, Pawar is said to be addressing Anjana Krishna, the sub-divisional police officer of Karmala, via an NCP worker’s phone. The IPS officer, however, fails to recognise his voice.
Pawar then makes a video call to the police officer and purportedly sternly asks her to stop action against illegal excavation of murrum, which is widely used as a sub-base and filling material for road construction.
"Suno, mai deputy chief minister bol raha hu aur aapko aadesh deta hu ki vo rokwao (Listen, I am the deputy chief minister and giving you the order to stop it)," Pawar can be heard telling the woman IPS officer.
"Itna aapko daring hua hai kya (how dare you)," he asked the officer.
As per the viral clip, Krishna is heard saying she could not figure out that the deputy CM was talking to her. Pawar then asks if she recognises his face.
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