Date:11/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111155390700.htm

New Delhi

Poll official files complaint against M.P. Minister

Dewas (MP): Madhya Pradesh Tourism Minister Tukoji Rao Pawar, caught on camera throwing a paper in a fit of anger, on Monday faced a criminal complaint lodged by a woman election officer for allegedly obstructing her official work and intentionally insulting her.

Sanjana Jain, the Returning Officer for the Sonkatch Assembly constituency in Dewas district in the poll-bound State, filed the complaint seeking action against the Minister under Sections 353 and 504 of Indian Penal Code(IPC), the police said.

Mr. Pawar, who also looks after Sports and Youth Welfare in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, was also seen apparently intimidating the official during a meeting at her office.

The incident happened when Mr. Pawar had a dispute with Ms. Jain on November 8 when he had gone to meet her to complain against Sajjan Singh Verma, the Congress nominee from Sonkatch. The administration has in its possession a video recording of the meeting capturing the deliberations between Mr. Pawar and Ms. Jain and given as evidence.

Section 353 relates to assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty while Section 504 deals with intentional insult with an intent to provoke breach of peace. Both are punishable offences carrying maximum punishment of two years imprisonment. Mr. Pawar when asked by reporters for his reaction to the complaint alleged that the woman official was conducting herself in an “unethical way” and he was strongly protesting against it. He also hurled corruption charges against the official but did not give details. “I do not trust such corrupt officers who have brought shame to Dewas. I am sorry to say this, especially since she is a woman and I respect women,” Mr. Pawar said.

In New Delhi, the BJP central leadership sought to downplay the incident involving Mr. Pawar saying it was just an “emotional moment”. “During elections there are some emotions that can get charged...I am sure now everyone would like to keep themselves in check now onwards.” PTI