Meet Anjana Krishna: Fearless IPS Officer Who Told A Deputy CM, 'Call Me Directly'

In an era where political influence often overshadows administrative duty, stories of unwavering integrity stand out as beacons of hope. One such story is that of Anjana Krishna V.S., a young IPS officer from Kerala who recently found herself at the center of a viral controversy after a bold exchange with Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Her calm yet firm response "Sir, can you please call me on my number directly?" during a tense phone call has earned her widespread admiration, symbolizing resistance against undue pressure. This article delves into her life, career, and the incident that thrust her into the national spotlight.

Early Life and Background

Anjana Krishna V.S. hails from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, where she was born into a modest middle-class family. Her father, Biju V.K., runs a small textile or clothing business, while her mother, Seena Rani, works as a typist in a local court. Growing up in the suburb of Poojappura, Anjana's upbringing was rooted in simplicity and hard work, values that would later define her professional ethos. Her family originates from Malayinkeezhu, a locality in Thiruvananthapuram district, reflecting her deep ties to Kerala's cultural and social fabric. Despite the humble circumstances her father's small shop and her mother's clerical role Anjana was encouraged to pursue education with determination, setting the stage for her remarkable journey.

Education and Path to Civil Services

Anjana's academic foundation was laid at St. Mary's Central School in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, where she excelled in her studies. She went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mathematics from HHMSPB NSS College for Women in Neeramankara, a women's institution known for fostering academic excellence. Her choice of mathematics as a major highlighted her analytical mindset, a trait that would prove invaluable in her future career.

Driven by a passion for public service, Anjana set her sights on the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. In 2022, she achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 355, a testament to her perseverance and intellectual prowess. This success marked her entry into the Indian Police Service (IPS), fulfilling a long-held dream of serving the nation in uniform. Her preparation involved rigorous self-study and coaching, often balancing family responsibilities with her ambitions. Anjana's story resonates with aspiring civil servants, particularly from non-elite backgrounds, as she cracked one of India's toughest exams without the privileges of urban elite networks.

Career in the Indian Police Service

Anjana Krishna belongs to the 2023 IPS batch (allocated based on her 2022 UPSC results) and was posted to the Maharashtra cadre. She currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Karmala, Solapur district a rural area known for its agricultural economy and occasional socio-political tensions. In her short tenure, Anjana has earned a reputation for honesty, determination, and sharp administrative skills. Colleagues and locals describe her as a no-nonsense officer who prioritizes law enforcement over external influences, quickly making a name for herself in a field often marred by political interference.

Her role involves overseeing law and order, investigating crimes, and addressing local grievances, including environmental violations like illegal mining. Until the recent incident, Anjana was relatively unknown outside bureaucratic circles, but her commitment to duty has now positioned her as a role model for young officers. Achievements in her early career include effective handling of routine policing tasks and building community trust, though specific accolades remain understated in public records.

The Viral Incident: A Stand Against Pressure

The event that catapulted Anjana into the limelight occurred on August 31, 2025, in Kurdu village, Madha taluka, Solapur district. Responding to complaints of illegal soil or sand excavation for road construction allegedly without proper permissions Anjana led a police team to the site. Villagers claimed the work had Gram Panchayat approval, but they failed to produce official documents, prompting her to proceed with enforcement actions.

During the operation, a local Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) worker, Baba Jagtap, dialed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and handed the phone to Anjana. Pawar, identifying himself as "DCM Ajit Pawar," instructed her to halt the crackdown, citing the ongoing Maratha agitation and the need to maintain peace in a tense atmosphere. Unable to verify the caller's identity over the phone, Anjana responded professionally: "I am unable to figure out if I am talking to the Deputy Chief Minister. Can you please call me on my number directly?"

This request irked Pawar, who reportedly snapped back, "Should I take action against you? Do you have so much daring? Give me your number, I am making a video call. You'll recognize me on video call, won't you?" He then initiated a video call, rebuking her further and directing her to coordinate with the local Tehsildar instead of continuing the action. The standoff lasted around three hours, but Anjana ultimately proceeded with the enforcement after confirming the lack of valid permissions.

A video of the exchange, captured by onlookers, went viral on social media, amassing millions of views and sparking debates on political overreach and bureaucratic independence.

Public and Political Reactions

The incident drew sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP K.C. Venugopal and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, condemned Pawar's behavior as "threatening" and indicative of the NDA's arrogance. Venugopal described it as the NDA being "high on power," while Chaturvedi questioned who drafted Pawar's social media defense.

Within the NCP, the fallout was immediate. Party MLC Amol Mitkari wrote to the UPSC seeking verification of Anjana's caste and educational certificates, implying irregularities a move widely criticized as harassment. Mitkari later apologized unconditionally, clarifying it was his personal view and not the party's stance. Pawar himself defended the call, stating he has the "highest respect for cops" and aimed to prevent escalation amid local tensions. NCP MP Sunil Tatkare claimed the video was leaked deliberately and that Pawar did not intend to stop the action but to placate workers.

Public sentiment on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) has been overwhelmingly supportive of Anjana. Users hailed her as a "queen" and "fearless," with posts like "Hats off to your courage" from influencers and citizens alike. Calls for the IPS Association to intervene grew, questioning their silence on officer harassment. The episode has also raised broader concerns about political interference in policing, with many viewing Anjana's stand as a rare example of integrity.

Legacy and Inspiration

Anjana Krishna's story is more than a viral moment; it's a narrative of resilience in the face of power. From her modest roots in Kerala to confronting a senior politician in Maharashtra, she embodies the ideals of the Indian civil services impartiality, courage, and service. While the incident has undoubtedly placed her under scrutiny, it has also amplified her voice, inspiring countless young women and aspirants to uphold justice without fear.

In a country where bureaucratic autonomy is often tested, officers like Anjana remind us that true leadership lies in quiet determination. As the dust settles, her message remains clear: Duty comes first, no matter who calls.