Mumbai, Sept. 5 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar on Friday reaffirmed his respect for police officers after a viral video went viral showing him allegedly pressuring a woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Solapur district, who was probing complaints of illegal soil excavation.

In a post on X, Pawar said his intention was never to interfere with police work but to ensure that the situation in Solapur "remained calm and did not escalate further."

"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 th...