Reported by, May 13 -- Laxman Sharma

Digboi: The controversy surrounding nearly Rs 20 lakh in alleged unpaid dues owed to local vendors supplying the canteen at the Digboi Refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Limited has intensified, even as the refinery management issued an official clarification stating that the matter is being handled through contractual mechanisms.

In a rejoinder sent to North East Now on Tuesday, the management of Indian Oil's Assam Oil Division (AOD) said that the refinery canteen is operated by M/S Vidya Caterers under a contractual agreement and that responsibility for clearing payments to local suppliers lies with the contractor.

According to the refinery, the issue was immediately taken up with the contractor f...