A shocking incident took place inside the Division Forest Office in Mahottari. Account officer Ramsulit Mahto claims he was verbally abused and physically attacked by contractor Dinesh Chaudhary. The reason? A dispute over unpaid bills for a park construction project.
Officer Files Complaint for Safety
Mahto immediately filed a complaint with the District Administration Office asking for protection. He said Chaudhary stormed into his office around 11 AM on Tuesday, started yelling, got physical, and even threatened to kill him.
Allegations of Poor Work and Payment Pressure
The contractor was awarded the contract to build a green park. According to Mahto, the contractor used only 1.5 feet of soil instead of the required 2.5 feet and installed low-quality blocks against the agreement. Despite the substandard work, he and even the engineer Rakesh Pandey and office head Ajay Mishra were pressuring Mahto to release the payment.
Forest Guard Transferred After Intervening
Mahto also claimed that when a forest guard stepped in to protect him, office head Mishra transferred the guard instead of addressing the issue.
No Immediate Response from Officials
Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Rijal confirmed that there is confusion in the Forest Office and said they are investigating. Mishra, the office head, refused to give any immediate comments.
Contractor Denies Charges
Dinesh Chaudhary, the contractor, denied all accusations. He said he only visited the office to ask when his payment would be made and did not misbehave or threaten anyone.
Details of the Park Project
The province government allocated Rs 20 lakh for the park in Jaleshwar. NK Construction won the contract for Rs 19,95,933. The plan includes leveling soil over 1,700 square meters, PCC laying, block installation, and tree plantation.
Suspicious Tendering Process?
Forest officials say the tender was limited to a few contractors and allege possible money dealings before the contract was finalized. Strangely, while a Rs 50 lakh building contract was granted with a 40% bid cut, this simple park project got only Rs 4,000 less than the budget, raising questions.
Low Competition Raises Eyebrows
When the office opened the bid notice on Magh 23, 2081, only 5 contractors submitted, but only 3 actively competed. The contract was awarded to the lowest bidder.
Pressure for Payment Despite Incomplete Work
Even though Rs 16.44 lakh has already been processed in the running bill, Mahto alleges that Chaudhary and Mishra are still forcing him to approve the final payment.