Haveri contractors seek mercy killing over unpaid dues by Karnataka government
Haveri: The contractors in Haveri district have reportedly threatened to seek mercy killing if the Karnataka government fails to clear their long-pending dues totaling Rs 738 crore by the end of April.
The contractors alleged that years of unpaid bills, coupled with rampant corruption and mounting debt, have pushed them to the brink of desperation. “The contractors in the district would be forced to seek mercy killing if the government failed to clear the pending dues by April-end,” Mallikarjun Haveri, taluk president of Haveri district contractors’ association, was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.
The association claimed that commissions ranging from 10 percent to 15 percent commission for the works in the district are being demanded by officials and middlemen in several departments, including the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR).
“The contractors borrow money at high interests to execute the works. We paid a commission hoping that they would clear our dues. The middlemen are sucking contractors’ blood,” Mallikarjun alleged.
“In Haveri district, bills amounting to Rs 200 crore is pending with the Public Works Department, RDPR has to clear Rs 138 crore in dues to contractors and Rs 400 crore is pending for the works announced during the previous BJP government,” he added.
Meanwhile, the contractors had staged a protest demanding payment of their long-pending dues during the winter session of the state legislature in Belagavi. In response, the Public Works Minister had then assured them that the bills would be cleared in phases by the end of March. However, the RDPR, KNNL, and the Minor Irrigation Department have yet to release payments amounting to several crores.
“Now, the contractors are urging the government to either settle their dues or permit them to opt for euthanasia,” the contractors’ association office-bearer said.
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Mangaluru: Attempt to murder fish vendor in Kuntikana foiled by woman's timely intervention
Victim identified as Ullal resident Lukman
Mangaluru: An attempt was made to murder a fish vendor while he was waiting for a customer in Kuntikana, Mangaluru, on Friday morning.
The victim has been identified as Lukman, a resident of Ullal.
Around 6:30 AM, Lukman was reportedly waiting to deliver fish to a customer when a group arrived in a black Innova car and assaulted him. The attackers allegedly threw him to the ground and attempted to kill him by hurling a heavy stone on him.
Fortunately, a Hindu woman in the vicinity witnessed the attack and screamed for help, scaring off the assailants and saving Lukman's life.
Lukman sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital, sources said.
A police investigation into the incident is underway.
