Bhopal has been drawn into a fresh controversy after the brother of a Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister allegedly threatened a woman government officer in Alirajpur, intensifying scrutiny of political conduct and administrative safety in the BJP-governed state.Inder Singh Chouhan, brother of cabinet minister Nagar Singh Chouhan, has been accused of confronting Janpad Panchayat chief executive officer Priya Kag at her office on April 22 and threatening to “break” her teeth and “bury” her alive. The alleged confrontation took place at the Janpad Panchayat office in Alirajpur, a tribal-dominated district in western Madhya Pradesh.
Police have registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty, threat of injury to a public servant, obstruction of public functions and criminal intimidation. The case was filed at Kotwali police station after Kag submitted a complaint detailing the alleged intimidation.
The dispute is said to have stemmed from the rejection of applications under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, a state-run marriage assistance scheme. Kag stated that the applications were cancelled because the applicants had already been married and had allegedly submitted false marriage invitation cards. She said she tried to explain that the decision had been taken under government rules, but Chouhan allegedly became aggressive.
CCTV footage from the office has circulated showing a man moving towards the officer while being restrained by others. Kag has alleged that Chouhan blocked her path, used abusive language, followed her when she moved away, and had earlier removed cameras installed in her office chamber in her absence. She has said the episode left her feeling unsafe at both her workplace and residence.
Chouhan was arrested on April 24 but secured bail within hours after citing illness and high blood pressure. The swift bail has deepened the political row, with the opposition questioning whether influential figures and their relatives receive softer treatment when accused of obstructing government officials.
Nagar Singh Chouhan, who holds cabinet rank in the state government, has acknowledged that the accused is his brother but has distanced himself from the allegations. He has said they live separately and that the law should take its course. The minister’s response has not stemmed criticism from opposition leaders, who have described the incident as evidence of intimidation within the administrative system.
The controversy has unfolded days after another episode involving BJP MLA Pritam Singh Lodhi, who was accused of threatening police officers in connection with an inquiry involving his son. That matter prompted intervention from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the state party leadership, after which the legislator apologised. The Alirajpur case has therefore fed a wider narrative that officials in Madhya Pradesh are increasingly vulnerable to pressure from elected representatives or their associates.
For the state administration, the case raises questions beyond one alleged confrontation. Janpad Panchayat CEOs play a key role in implementing rural development schemes, verifying beneficiaries and ensuring funds reach eligible applicants. When such officers face threats over rejected applications, it can weaken scrutiny in welfare programmes and create pressure to approve doubtful claims.
Alirajpur’s social and economic profile adds further sensitivity. The district has a large tribal population and relies heavily on welfare delivery through panchayat institutions. Programmes such as marriage assistance, housing support and livelihood schemes often become politically contested because eligibility decisions directly affect local families and patronage networks.
The state government has sought to project a tough stance on law and order, particularly on crimes involving women and public servants. Yet the alleged threat to a woman officer inside a government office has given the opposition a fresh opening to challenge that claim. Congress leaders have accused the ruling party of allowing political arrogance to override institutions, while BJP functionaries have attempted to frame the matter as a police case that should not be politicised.