BIRGUNJ: Assistant Minister for Physical Planning and Works Kaladevi Pasawan on Monday denied assaulting a Local Development Officer (LDO).

Shyam Sundar Mishra, the LDO in question alleged that Pasawan had used physical force on him during a board meeting in the District Development Committee building.

Speaking in a press conference held at Samjhana Hotel in Tripur, Birgunj she clarified that she had merely given him a warning and went on to explain that it was not due to any personal grievance but for the interest of the entire district.

When journalists drew parallels with the earlier incident involving State Minister Karima Begam, Pasawan dismissed the assault allegations as rumours spread by the corrupt District Development Committee employees in retaliation against her anti corruption measures.