Belagavi industrialist Prem Chougula has accused minister Laxmi Hebbalkar of interfering in transformer repair contracts, alleging that due to her intervention, the Hescom MD withdrew the repair work that had been assigned to him. He demanded legal action against both the minister and the Hescom MD.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Chougula said he runs a transformer repair centre at Honaga in Belagavi and had applied for the repair of failed transformers in the Belagavi Rural constituency. Though Hescom officials initially assured him of the work, it was later denied.
He alleged that the minister’s sister operates transformer repair centres in Bailhongal and Belagavi, and that the minister was ensuring contracts were directed to her establishments. Calling it an injustice, Chougula said he has submitted representations to ministers H.K. Patil and K.J. George, as well as the chief secretary, seeking action. Despite meeting Hebbalkar several times to request fair treatment, he alleged that her personal interests cost him the project.
