The BJP held a roadblock at Tarbod of Nuapada district on Monday demanding action against the corrupt officials who were responsible for collapse of an under-construction hostel building at Sahajeth village of Komna block. The slab of the building caved in on Friday last just after its casting.
It was evident from the incident that both the centring as well as the iron reinforcement was of low standard.
BJP State president Basant Panda had demanded action against the officials in charge of the construction after visiting the site on Friday. The DRDA Project Director and the BDO of Boden block had assured of an inquiry and necessary action. But instead of initiating any action, the administration tried to cover up the matter by recasting the slab immediately.
"Corruption is rampant in Komna block. We demand action against the corrupt officials and stoppage of percentage (PC) system," said BJP leader Harish Panda. "The BJD Government is promoting PC culture to help its leaders flourish," said Sanjay Tiwari and Jadumani Panigrahi of the party.
BJP workers including hundreds of villagers of Sahajeth village blocked NH-353 for more than five hours until arrival of the Sub-Collector at about 1 pm. The Sub-Collector received a memorandum of the agitators and assured of action.
Nuapada Collector Poma Tudu, when contacted later by mediapersons, said that appropriate action would be taken after an inquiry. "A high-level committee consisting of technical persons will conduct the inquiry and action will be taken accordingly" she said.