Krishna asked who was calling, unable to identify the voice on the line. Pawar allegedly responded with a rebuke, “Itna daring hua hai kya?”, threatening disciplinary action before initiating a video call to affirm his identity and instruct the officer to desist from proceeding. The Nationalist Congress Party has defended Pawar, asserting that his intent was to calm agitated local workers rather than obstruct lawful enforcement.
Opposition parties have seized on the footage to accuse Pawar of undermining law enforcement and granting impunity to illegal actors. Critics have labeled the encounter as political overreach, with some describing it as an affront to the independence of administrative officers.
NCP State President Sunil Tatkare insisted Pawar merely “rebuked the IPS officer to placate party workers” and had no intention of halting the operation entirely. Party spokesperson Anand Paranjpe added that the video had been “given the wrong colour,” and that in a democracy, addressing grievances—even from workers—is integral to governance.
On the ground, voices supporting Anjana Krishna have cast her conduct as principled. NDTV observed her reliance on administrative process when asked to verify the identity of the caller. The extra layer of verification prompted a sarcastic reply from Pawar—that she should place a video call to recognise his face—and he then proceeded to insist that the operation be stopped.
Additional context from Hindustan Times highlights that two talathis—local revenue officials—were reportedly assaulted by individuals involved in the illegal excavation after Pawar’s intervention emboldened them. No disciplinary action has been initiated yet, and officials—including Krishna and her commanding officers—have remained largely silent, stating only that the matter is under inquiry.