Bhubaneswar: At a time when the rescue operation to trace the two labourers trapped inside a stone quarry near Bariput in Koraput district is still on, the All Odisha Contractors’ Association (AOCA) Saturday alleged the third floor of the secretariat is giving shelter to the contracting firm–DD Builders which is responsible for the mishap.
At a presser held here, AOCA president Prabhat alleged that the stone mining mishap in Bariput had been caused due to crass negligence by the non-Odia company, DD Builders Ltd.
“Though 10 days have been passed to the incident, no action has been taken against the owner of the company (DD Builders) so far because he has the support of some influential people of the 3rd floor of the state Secretariat”, he alleged.
The association alleged there is an unholy nexus between top ‘babus’ at the Secretariat and the company. As a result, no action has been taken against it despite its criminal negligence. Even an FIR has not been lodged against the firm so far. Ironically, the company was awarded the contract to complete the pending work of Bomikhal flyover in Bhubaneswar, the president alleged.
The body warned the government to stop providing undue favour to the non-Odia firm who has got work for all big infrastructure projects for the past 19 years. It appealed to the government to shed its anti-Odia policies.
“We strongly condemn the government’s move of roping in non-Odia contractors and agencies by neglecting Odia contractors. Such anti-Odia strategy will not be tolerated. The government has not only resorted to harassment of Odia contractors but also Odia officers as well. It must change such approach else it will have to face the consequences,” Das said.
The body also alleged that the real number of persons injured in the incident is much higher than the number being produced before public. It demanded the government give compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the deceased and Rs 25 lakh each to the injured.
However, the works department said the remainder of the work of Bomikhal flyover has not been given to DD Builders.
Meanwhile, Congress and BJP slammed the government over the issue. They demanded action against the builder. “FIR should be lodged against the builder and the government officers responsible for the mishap,” said Opposition chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati.
BJP leader Bhrugu Boxipatra also alleged the involvement of third floor in the incident. “It seems that the third floor is involved in the issue. Our demand is that the government must keep away from such things and examine the activities of DD Builders,” the BJP leader demanded.
On the other hand, BJD spokesperson Rabi Nanda said, “It is unfortunate to play politics over such incidents. Any person responsible for the incident must be punished.”
PNN
