In a distressing incident at the Public Works Department (PWD) office in Belagavi, a contractor resorted to a suicide attempt by consuming poison while in the presence of an executive engineer. The contractor, Nagappa Bangi, hailing from Ganikoppa village, alleged severe corruption and mistreatment on the part of the authorities.
Bangi claimed that he had successfully executed a road construction project, connecting Halaga village to Tigadi village in 2022, worth Rs. 6 lakh 50 thousand. However, he found himself embroiled in a distressing situation as the PWD department had not released his rightful payment. He accused Assistant Executive Engineer Ramesh Hegde and Executive Engineer Basavaraj Halagi of intentionally delaying his dues and coercing him into offering a bribe.
Frustration had been mounting for Bangi, who had been seeking assistance for a year to clear his pending payments, but his pleas fell on deaf ears within the department. Left with no alternative, he resorted to the desperate act of poisoning himself. This shocking incident has sparked outrage among other contractors in the district, who claim to be facing similar harassment by PWD officials. Allegations include demands for bribes to settle bills and prolonging payment delays for several months.
Swift action was taken by authorities present at the scene, confiscating the pesticide bottle from the distressed contractor and promptly transferring him to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
