Bhubaneswar, Feb. 21 -- High drama unfolded at the Works Department office in Bolangir district on Saturday following a heated confrontation between contractors and departmental staff over issues related to pending bills and allocation of contract work.

According to sources, a tense situation prevailed at the Works Department office in Bolangir after an argument between local contractors and employees escalated into a major verbal altercation. The dispute reportedly stemmed from allegations concerning the clearance of bills and the awarding of contract work.

Local contractors alleged that work in the district was being awarded to outside contractors, sidelining eligible local bidders. This allegation triggered strong reactions, leading ...