FIR Sought Against Contractor and Consultant Over Negligence in Rawanfond 6-Lane ROB Project

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Alleging serious lapses and gross negligence, a formal complaint has been submitted requesting the registration of an FIR against the contractor and consultant involved in the construction of the 6-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Rawanfond, Margao. The complaint calls for action under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including Criminal Negligence (Section 290), Mischief (Section 324), Criminal Breach of Trust (Section 316), and Criminal Conspiracy (Section 61).

The project, undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSIDC), was awarded to M/S. M.S. Khurana Engineering Ltd, with M/S. Shrikhande Consultants Pvt. Ltd appointed as the consultant. The work order was issued on December 15, 2022, with a start date of December 23, 2022, and a completion deadline of December 22, 2024.

However, the complainants allege that less than 10% of the work has been completed, and claim that the site now poses a serious risk to public safety due to exposed embankments and incomplete foundations. They also allege that the contractor, with the consultant’s knowledge, excavated the existing embankment without implementing proper erosion control measures, despite knowing that the monsoon season was imminent.

Recent rainfall reportedly led to rapid soil erosion, causing cracks in the approach road and prompting partial and full road closures. These disruptions have not only caused significant inconvenience to the public through traffic diversions and increased congestion, but have also led to added strain on police and traffic personnel.

The complaint further claims that the delay appears intentional, possibly to trigger the escalation clause in the contract, thereby inflating project costs and resulting in further losses to the public exchequer.

The complainants have urged authorities to take immediate legal action by registering an FIR against the responsible contractor and consultant.

Herald Goa
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