FIR Registered, Ajit Pawar’s Call Under Spotlight – Here is full report
Young 2023-batch officer receives a clean chit in the Kurdu sand mining probe; inquiry upholds her action as lawful
Pune: In a decisive turn of events following the widely publicized exchange between Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and 2023-batch IPS officer Anjana Krishna, an official inquiry has confirmed that the sand mining operation in Kurdu village, Solapur district, was indeed illegal.
The investigation has simultaneously validated SDPO Anjana Krishna’s intervention as both lawful and appropriate.
The inquiry report, submitted by the Karmala Tehsildar to District Collector Kumar Ashirwad on Tuesday, prompted the registration of another FIR by the local police against those responsible for the illegal murum and gravel excavation.
The Incident: Mining Disguised as Road Work
On August 31, 2025, villagers from Kurdu in Madha taluka reported suspected illegal mining masquerading as road construction. Acting on these complaints, a joint inspection team comprising the Tehsildar, Prant Adhikari, and SDPO Anjana Krishna visited the site.
Although villagers insisted the excavation had Gram Panchayat approval, they were unable to provide any supporting documentation. The team proceeded with enforcement measures against the excavation, an action that would subsequently lead to a confrontation now etched into the public consciousness.
The Viral Moment: Ajit Pawar’s Video Call
During the enforcement drive, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar allegedly placed a video call to Anjana Krishna, reportedly questioning the legitimacy of the police intervention.
In the now-viral video, Krishna is seen maintaining her composure and firmly asserting her legal authority, refusing to yield under political pressure. Her resolute demeanor instantly earned her widespread acclaim online, where citizens hailed her as the “Daring Lady IPS” and a new emblem of fearless governance.
Inquiry Findings: Officer Vindicated, Mining Illegal
The inquiry findings established the following:
The excavation was illegal, contravening both environmental and land-use regulations.
SDPO Anjana Krishna acted entirely within the scope of her legal authority.
A fresh FIR has been registered against those culpable for the mining activity.
Solapur SP Atul Kulkarni confirmed the inquiry results, further clarifying that there is no complaint or adverse remark against Krishna’s conduct.
Ajit Pawar’s Clarification
Amid mounting public support for the young officer, Ajit Pawar issued a statement of clarification:
“My intention was not to interfere with law enforcement but to ensure the situation remained calm. I hold the highest respect for the police, particularly women officers, and I support strict measures against illegal mining.”
Nevertheless, political observers highlight that the incident underscores the persistent tensions between bureaucratic independence and political influence in Maharashtra’s governance landscape.
Rising Support for Anjana Krishna
Civil society groups and IPS associations have rallied behind Anjana Krishna, warning that penalizing or transferring officers who enforce the law sets a troubling precedent. Critics argue that such actions could dissuade young officers from acting with integrity and courage.
Government sources indicate that her transfer at this juncture is improbable, as it would likely be perceived as politically motivated, fueling further backlash—especially in light of her growing popularity among the public.
Profile: Who is IPS Anjana Krishna?
Batch: 2023, Maharashtra Cadre
Current Role: SDPO (Deputy SP) at Karmala, Solapur Rural
Hometown: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
UPSC Rank: AIR 355, Civil Services Examination 2022
Born to a small shop owner in Kerala, Krishna is admired for her integrity, intellectual curiosity, and strong sense of public duty. Before entering the civil services, she briefly interned at a Malayalam newspaper, sharpening her investigative instincts and commitment to truth—qualities that continue to define her career.
