Bolangir witnessed tension in the Works Division after a clash erupted between contractors and engineers over contract-related disputes.
Both parties filed written complaints at the Town Police Station, prompting police to begin questioning.
Reports indicate that on February 19, contractor Premranjan Panigrahi, along with associates, visited the SDO office and allegedly threatened to block bills of outside contractors. They reportedly abused engineers and staff with caste-based remarks and foul language. The incident led to heated discussions between contractors and senior engineers.
On February 20, the dispute escalated further when Executive Engineer Ashutosh Jena confronted Panigrahi. Allegations claim Jena attempted to attack Panigrahi with a rod during the altercation. Following this, Works Department staff stopped work and lodged a formal complaint against Panigrahi and others.
In response, Panigrahi also filed a complaint against Jena, accusing him of threatening and attempting to assault him. The situation intensified as contractors’ association members gathered at the police station, demanding action against the engineer and protesting alleged favouritism toward outside contractors.
Local contractors accused officials of sidelining district-based contractors in favour of outsiders, despite earlier resolutions by associations to restrict work to local bidders. They alleged that political influence and administrative recommendations were driving tender allocations, creating unfair advantages.
Police Inspector-in-Charge Avani Sahu confirmed that both sides are being questioned. The dispute reflects growing friction between district contractors and outside bidders, with political and administrative pressures complicating the tender process.
