IDUKKI: A contractor attempted suicide at the Thodupuzha Mini Civil Station. Suresh, the contractor, threatened to kill himself in front of the agriculture officer by dousing petrol on his body for not clearing his unpaid bills after the construction was completed. The fire force and the police used force to calm him.

Suresh said the money spent for the construction of wells as part of the irrigation project for agricultural purposes in Marayoor panchayat, was not paid. He alleged that even eight months after the completion of the construction, the agriculture department was not ready to pass the bill. The contract amount was Rs 25 lakh for a well. Four wells were constructed. The inspection of these wells has also been completed.

Principal Agriculture Officer said the bill could not be cleared and it is up to the LSG engineer to examine whether there are any defects in the construction of the wells. The agriculture officer clarified that the amount can be paid only after getting the collector’s permission. The collector has sought a report on the incident. Police have registered a case against the contractor.