The name of IPS officer Anjana Krishna has come into the spotlight after a viral video showing her sharp exchange with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during an anti-mining operation in Solapur. What began as a routine crackdown on illegal excavation has now transformed into a full-blown political controversy, drawing attention from parties across the spectrum.
How the Dispute Emerged
On 31 August, a joint police team was conducting action against illegal soil and murum excavation in Kurdu village, Solapur district. During the raid, locals connected Anjana Krishna over a call with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The officer, serving as SDPO (DSP) of Karmala Division in Solapur Rural Police, questioned the caller’s identity before engaging in a heated exchange.
The conversation was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, sparking a political storm. The video showed the officer maintaining her stand while Pawar appeared to press for his viewpoint. The incident has since raised questions about administrative autonomy, political interference, and the scope of police action against illegal mining.
Following the clash, police registered an FIR against four individuals under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 132. The action signaled that the enforcement drive was not being slowed down by the controversy.
Ajit Pawar’s Clarification
As the video fueled heated debates, Ajit Pawar released an official statement. He clarified that he holds “the highest respect for the police force” and his sole concern was to “prevent any disturbance to law and order, not to interfere in enforcement.” Pawar also stressed that illegal mining is a serious matter and must face strict punitive measures.
His explanation sought to diffuse the perception that he had attempted to obstruct an on-ground crackdown. Instead, he positioned his call as an effort to maintain peace in a potentially volatile situation. Still, critics allege that his tone amounted to undue political pressure on a serving officer.
NCP Leader Demands UPSC Investigation
Within hours of the viral video, NCP (Ajit faction) MLC Amol Mitkari escalated the matter further. He wrote to the UPSC Secretary, demanding verification of Anjana Krishna’s documents related to educational qualifications, caste certificates, and other eligibility papers from the time of her selection.
Mitkari also requested that the inquiry report be forwarded to the relevant government departments. This move indicated that the political firestorm was spreading beyond the immediate incident and being framed as a larger question about the officer’s credentials.
So far, the UPSC has not issued any public response regarding Mitkari’s complaint, but the request itself has drawn criticism from those who see it as a political attempt to target an honest officer.
Who is IPS Anjana Krishna?
Anjana Krishna belongs to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is a 2023-batch IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre. She cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022, securing an All India Rank of 355.
Her schooling took place at St. Mary’s Central School, Poojappura, after which she pursued a degree in mathematics at Kerala University. Media reports suggest her father is a small businessman and her mother works as a typist in court.
Currently, she serves as SDPO/DSP of Karmala Division, Solapur Rural Police, where she has been tasked with supervising law and order operations, including anti-mining actions. The viral video has made her one of the most discussed young officers in Maharashtra today.
Political Fallout
The episode has quickly gained a political color. Opposition parties claim the incident shows direct political interference in police functioning, undermining the rule of law. They argue that Ajit Pawar’s phone call exemplifies how political leaders often attempt to sway enforcement actions in favor of local interests.
On the other hand, ruling camp leaders defended Pawar, stating that his intervention was purely to calm the situation and prevent potential escalation at the site. They emphasized that no instructions were given to halt the operation and that Pawar himself has reiterated the importance of strict action against illegal mining.
This divide highlights the delicate balance between political oversight and administrative independence in state affairs.
Public Reaction and Media Discourse
The viral video triggered widespread discussions on social media platforms. Many praised Anjana Krishna’s composure and professional handling of the conversation with a senior political leader. Several users saw her as an example of integrity in policing, while others criticized the political establishment for questioning her background instead of addressing the issue of illegal mining.
Debates on TV channels and newspapers centered on whether the NCP leader’s demand for a certificate verification probe was a genuine call for transparency or a politically motivated attempt to discredit a rising officer.
Larger Issues Highlighted by the Incident
This controversy is not only about one phone call but also about broader themes in Indian governance:
Political interference in policing: The incident revived concerns about whether police officers are given enough independence to perform their duties without political pressure.
Illegal mining in Maharashtra: The scale of illegal soil and murum excavation in Solapur and other regions remains significant, raising questions about regulatory enforcement.
Officer accountability vs political vendetta: The move to question Anjana Krishna’s credentials has sparked debates on how accountability mechanisms can sometimes be weaponized for political purposes.
Public trust in institutions: Viral videos and public debates influence perceptions about both police and politicians, impacting trust levels among citizens.
Future Course of Action
The matter now stands at a critical point. While Ajit Pawar has clarified his position, the controversy is unlikely to fade soon. The demand for UPSC verification may or may not result in any formal probe, but the issue has already placed Anjana Krishna under national attention.
Meanwhile, enforcement against illegal mining in Solapur continues, with local police affirming that no operation will be slowed by political developments. If the officer receives institutional backing, it may send a strong message about administrative independence.
For Ajit Pawar, the challenge lies in balancing his political image while defending his statement of respect for the police. For the NCP, the intra-party dynamics add another layer, since factions often use such flashpoints to consolidate narratives.
The clash between IPS Anjana Krishna and Ajit Pawar has grown into a high-profile political and administrative controversy in Maharashtra. What started as an enforcement call in Solapur has now evolved into debates over police autonomy, political interference, and officer accountability.
While Ajit Pawar insists his actions were aimed at maintaining order, critics point to the viral video as evidence of political overreach. With an NCP leader demanding a probe into Krishna’s credentials, the issue has taken on deeper political tones.
As of now, Anjana Krishna remains in her role as SDPO, Solapur Rural, symbolizing both the challenges and resilience faced by young civil servants in India. The unfolding story will continue to test the boundaries between political power and bureaucratic independence in one of India’s most politically active states.
