Bhubaneswar, Nov. 13 -- Kendrapara District Rural Development Division-II is facing the prospect of asset seizure following a district court order over an unpaid contractor bill of Rs 1.37 crore. The dues relate to the construction of a cyclone shelter in 2003, but the contractor, Ramesh Chandra Samantaray, did not receive payment for the work.

The court ordered the seizure of the division's movable assets over the failure to clear the outstanding amount. The contractor had reportedly approached the court several times over the years seeking payment and legal relief.

Samantaray constructed the cyclone shelter around 23 years ago. However, the department allegedly did not release his bill of Rs 1.37 crore despite the completion of the wo...