Sri Vijaya Puram, July 28: Local public representatives have launched a strong campaign against alleged financial irregularities and arbitrary practices by the construction agency engaged in the National Highway rehabilitation project in the North & Middle Andaman district. On Monday, a high-level delegation led by Gram Panchayat Shivapuram Pradhan Venkateswar Rao and Zilla Parishad Member R. Madhavan of Nimbutala met senior administrative and police officials and formally lodged a complaint against M/s Garg & Sons Estate Promoters Private Limited for allegedly withholding outstanding payments amounting to Rs.63,27,486.
The complaint relates to the rehabilitation and maintenance work being carried out on the National Highway stretch between Kilometre 181 and Kilometre 206, from Rangat Water Tank to Swadesh Nagar Thoratang Bridge.
According to the complaint, the contractor has failed to clear legitimate dues owed to local sub-contractors, hotel owners, owners of heavy vehicles and machinery, suppliers, and daily wage labourers who worked on the project. The prolonged non-payment has reportedly pushed many local businesses and economically vulnerable workers into severe financial hardship.
The delegation met Superintendent of Police (North & Middle Andaman), Vikas Swamy, IPS, and submitted a detailed representation outlining the alleged financial misconduct. Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the Superintendent of Police sought three days to conduct a preliminary inquiry. He assured the delegation that if the investigation establishes evidence of financial irregularities or cheating, an FIR will be registered against the contractor under the appropriate provisions of law, and strict legal action will follow.
Following the meeting with the Superintendent of Police, the delegation also met the Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, seeking immediate administrative intervention. Considering the gravity of the allegations, the Deputy Commissioner promptly summoned the Deputy General Manager (DGM), NHIDCL (North & Middle Andaman). The Deputy Commissioner adopted a firm stance and directed the NHIDCL official to ensure the expeditious settlement of all pending dues and to initiate appropriate administrative action against the agency if any negligence or contractual violations are found.
