Govt to probe into contractor's suicide
PTI, PANAJI | 23 May 2012 19:45 IST
Vishwas Harmalkar
Goa government has appointed a committee led by senior officer to investigate into the suicide of a contractor, who hanged himself after failing to get his bills cleared from the government.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters today that he has initiated probe headed by senior government officer, Amarsen Rane, into the suicide of Vishwas Harmalkar, a contractor empanelled by public works department.
Harmalkar, who hanged himself earlier this week in a government-run hotel near Mayem lake project, in his suicide note had reasoned whopping dues from the public works department and kickbacks paid to get the works sanctioned, for his suicide.
Parrikar said the erstwhile Digambar Kamat-led government had accumulated dues in several crore, which were not paid to the contractors.
"It appears to me that he (Harmalkar) faced financial problems which are result of kickbacks that he had to pay to people in the government," he said.
The chief minister admitted that entire PWD is in the mess.
"I am trying to get the exact amount of money which is due for various contractors but the officers are not in a position to tell me," he said.
Action in the entire mess would be taken only after Rane submits his report within seven days, a deadline set for him, he said.
"Major culprits would not be let go scot-free," he assured.
On whether former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao would be booked, if kickback allegations are proved against him, Parrikar said everything would be decided only after the report is presented to the government.
v sad indeed ! A precious life is lost because of the govt officers` rigid/adamant/ and /or probably corrupt bribes demands. Those responsible must be severely punished,so as to deter others to be v careful in future and deal with all the govt contractors with more carefully . one hopes the C.M. takes the necessary action against the culprits,soon and the departed soul gets justice .