Former Uttar Pradesh minister Jamuna Prasad Nishad was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a shoot-out in Maharajganj town in eastern Uttar Pradesh on Saturday night, in which a police constable was killed.

Nishad was arrested while he was on his way to Chief Minister Mayawati's residence to attend a meeting.

"Nishad has been arrested and taken to Hazratganj police station," Director General of Police Vikram Singh said.

The DGP, who had on Monday stated that there was lack of evidence against Nishad, said, "Eyewitnesses have confirmed his presence at the spot" in Maharajganj on Saturday.

Asked about other evidence against Nishad, Singh said his presence on the spot has been established and inquiry is still on.

Nishad, who was sacked by Mayawati on Sunday, was named in an FIR in connection with the killing of the constable, who was killed during alleged firing by his supporters at Kotwali police station in Maharajganj.

Nishad had denied his presence during the violence at the police station and also the charge that the shot was fired from his red-beaconed car.