From Our Special Correspondet
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 23: Goa government has appointed a committee led by senior officer to investigate into the suicide of a contractor, who hanged himself after failing to clear his bills from the government.

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

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

Parrikar stated that erstwhile Digambar Kamat-led government has accumulated dues in several crore, which are 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 that entire PWD is in the 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.

Parrikar said that the action in the entire mess would be taken only after Rane will submit his report, within seven days, a deadline set for him. “Major culprits would not be let go scot-free,” he commented.

When asked 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.