NCP MLC withdraws tweet against IPS officer Anjana Krishna, apologises

Mumbai: The controversy over Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar rebuking sub divisional police officer Anjana Krishna deepened further as the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi intensified the attack on Saturday after NCP MLC and party spokesperson Amol Mitkari shot off a letter to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) seeking to enquire into educational and caste documents submitted by the IPS officer.

On his part, Pawar, the NCP president, has said that his intention was not to interfere with the police operation. "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. 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,” Pawar said noting he remains firmly committed to transparent governance and to ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly as per the law.

However, the letter by Mitkari compounded the issue.

“If she says she does not recognise the state's deputy chief minister, her recruitment process must be scrutinised. I have written to the UPSC seeking a probe," he said.

However, Mitkari later withdrew the statement and tendered an unconditional apology. “I unconditionally retract my tweet regarding the Solapur incident and express my regret. This was not my party's position but my personal position. I have the utmost respect for our police force and the officers who serve honestly. I completely agree with the position of the senior leadership of the party,” he posted.

The opposition parties slammed the government over the issue.

NCP (SP) national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, “The letter to UPSC by Mitkari is further intimidation on honest officer Anjana Krishna. It is obvious that he is doing this after his leader was seen on record intimidating the same officer. The tactics adopted by these leaders are an indication that they are trying to muzzle her voice. We need more honest officers like Krishna, who will inspire her fraternity to fulfill their duty without fear or favour. Anjana Krishna was doing her duty diligently and honestly. Kudos to her."

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “After the video of Pawar threatening a lady officer vent viral, the deputy chief minister stated that the highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers, and he value the rule of law above all. And at the same time, Mitkari, has written to UPSC to enquire into educational and caste documents submitted by the lady IPS Officer, Anjana Krishna. Who drafted Ajit Pawar ji’s X post, is he even aware what his handle has posted and what his MLC is doing?”

Congress leader and former MLA Yashomati Thakur also said, "It is deplorable that a leader of the NCP, which claims to follow the ideology of Shivaji-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar, has stooped to commenting on the caste of an IPS officer. How did Mitkari suddenly recall Krishna's documents now?”.