Committee set up to probe contractor's suicide: CM

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters today that he has initiated the probe headed by senior government officer, Amarsen Rane, into the suicide of Vishwas Harmalkar, a contractor empanelled by the Public Works Department.

Harmalkar, who hanged himself earlier this week in a government-run hotel near Mayem lake project, had in his suicide note reasoned whopping dues from the Public Works department and kickbacks paid to get the work sanctioned, for his suicide.

Parrikar said the erstwhile Digambar Kamat-led government had accumulated dues in several crores, which were not paid to the contractors.

"It appears to me that he (Harmalkar) faced financial problems which are result of kickbacks that he had to pay to people in the government," he said.

 

The Chief Minister admitted the entire PWD is in a mess.

"I am trying to get the exact amount of money which is due for various contractors but the officers are not in a position to tell me," he said.

Action in the entire mess would be taken only after Rane submits his report within seven days, a deadline set for him, he said.

"Major culprits would not be let go scot-free," he said.

On whether former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao would be booked if kickback allegations are proved against him, Parrikar said everything would be decided only after the report is presented to the government.