Madhya Pradesh Tourism Minister Tukoji Rao Pawar was arrested for allegedly threatening and intimidating a lady returning officer and sent to jail by a court in a dramatic action on Tuesday.  All this happened ahead of Assembly elections in the BJP-ruled state.

Pawar is conesting assembly polls from Dewas. Police had arrested another ruling party nominee from Sonkatch, Phool Chand Verma in connection with the same case.

Earlier Returning officer for Sonkatch and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sanjana Jain lodged a complaint against them for obstructing official work and threatening her following a dispute over a poll-related issue.

MP police booked both Pawar and Verma under Sections 353 and 504 of the IPC following the complaint. Later they were produced in the court and sent to judicial custody till November 24.

Meanwhile the Election Commission ordered the transfer of Dewas collector following negligence on his part in sending a report on the incident. On the other hand the commission praised Jain for performing her poll duties without any fear or favor and will be getting a letter of appreciation, official sources said.