Death threat to Kalahandi engineer: Contractor brothers face fresh graft, sand theft allegations

The controversy over the assault and death threat issued to a Works Department assistant executive engineer in Kalahandi has taken a new turn. The contractor brothers, Nilesh and Akash Agrawal, are now facing fresh allegations of large-scale corruption and illegal sand mining, raising questions about their unchecked influence in the region.

Documents and reports accessed by OTV indicate that the two contractor brothers- Nilesh and Akash Agrawal, already accused of threatening Assistant Executive Engineer Ananta Pradhan over pending bills, are also embroiled in large-scale corruption and illegal activities

Allegations of Corruption and Sand Theft

Sources allege that the Agrawal brothers executed several road projects worth crores of rupees in Kalahandi and Bolangir districts, but delivered substandard work. Despite poor quality, they reportedly amassed huge profits. In addition, they have been repeatedly accused of illegal sand mining. Akash Agrawal was earlier caught stealing sand from unauthorized river ghats, sources said.

Police Inaction Raises Eyebrows

Despite these serious charges, the Kalahandi district administration has remained silent, and police have yet to take concrete action. It has now been five days since Pradhan filed a written complaint at Madanpur Rampur police station, naming the contractors and their associates. While a case was registered under multiple BNS sections, no arrests or visible action have followed.

Engineer’s Complaint and Contractors’ Silence

Pradhan had earlier alleged that the Agrawal brothers, along with 10 associates, barged into his residence, assaulted him, and issued death threats over a bill dispute. However, the contractors have consistently denied wrongdoing. No official reaction from the Agrawal brothers has been received so far on the fresh corruption and sand theft allegations.

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“They are involved in illegal sand mining. People are alleging Akash Agrawal is involved in the mining,” alleged a local.