Engineer–Contractor dispute over alleged substandard work triggers Police action in Bolangir

A dispute between a senior engineer and a contractor at the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bolangir escalated to the point of police intervention, with cases registered against both parties.

The confrontation reportedly arose over allegations of arbitrary functioning within the department and concerns regarding the quality of work in an ongoing construction project.

Dispute Over BBMCH Parking Project

The disagreement concerns the construction of a car parking facility at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital (BBMCH) in Bolangir. Tensions reportedly flared inside the PWD office, leading both sides to file complaints at the local police station.

Police have registered separate cases and initiated an investigation into the matter.

According to available information, cases have been filed against PWD Superintending Engineer Ashutosh Jena and contractor Premranjan Panigrahi.

The contractor alleged that “engineer rule” was prevailing in the Bolangir PWD and claimed that he was subjected to threats and verbal abuse during the confrontation.

Allegations of Substandard Work

Reports indicate that the dispute was triggered by allegations of substandard work in the ₹65 lakh parking project. It has also been alleged that administrative approval was granted for certain projects without proper tendering and that some works were split.

Concerns were specifically raised about the quality of materials being used and the structural design of the parking facility.

Medical Students Raise Concerns

The Medical Students’ Association of BBMCH has also voiced concerns regarding the construction quality and warned of agitation if the issue is not addressed.

Suraj Biswal, President of the Medical Students’ Association, BBMCH, said the materials used in the project were of poor quality and the slope design appeared flawed.

“The materials being used are very inferior, and the slope design is such that it will accumulate rainwater. The bricks are very thin and do not appear sturdy enough for constructing the base. If they are used, the structure may eventually cave in,” he said.

Biswal added that such work was unacceptable in a medical institution. “Students from various states come here to study, and Bolangir has only one medical college. We will protest in the future if the matter is not looked into,” he said.

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Police are currently investigating the allegations and counter-allegations filed by both parties.