Chhatrapur, July 2 (UDN): High drama unfolded at the Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) feeding plant at Aryapalli on the outskirts of Chhatrapur after a sub-contractor climbed atop a heavy machine and allegedly threatened to end his life over unpaid dues.
The sub-contractor, identified as K. Mahendra Reddy, claimed that Saraswati Builders, the Gujarat-based firm executing the project for IREL, had failed to clear his pending payments despite repeated requests.
According to Reddy, he had undertaken transport and other contractual work at the plant since November 2025. He alleged that the company initially owed him around Rs 1.25 crore, and although both sides later agreed to settle the claim at Rs 73 lakh, only a part of the amount had been paid, leaving a substantial balance outstanding.
Reddy further alleged that he had received threats from local miscreants after persistently demanding the release of his dues, prompting him to resort to the extreme form of protest.
On receiving information, Aryapalli Marine Police and IREL security personnel rushed to the site. After prolonged negotiations, police personnel climbed onto the machinery, safely brought Reddy down, and shifted him to the Aryapalli Marine Police Station for counselling and further inquiry.
The incident briefly disrupted normal activities at the plant and highlighted the payment dispute between the sub-contractor and the project contractor. Police are verifying Reddy’s allegations, while no official statement has yet been issued by Saraswati Builders or IREL regarding the claims.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
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