Contractor locks ZP guest house over pending bills

HYDERABAD, February 3: A contractor in Ibrahimpatnam, Rangareddy district, locked the Zilla Parishad (ZP) guest house on Sunday in protest against the non-payment of ₹50 lakh for construction work. The building, which also houses the Tahsildar’s office, remained inaccessible for several hours.

The contractor, identified as Danayya, had undertaken the construction of the guest house following directions from an Assistant Engineer (AE), as the previous Mandal Revenue Office (MRO) was in poor condition. Despite completing the work, he claims that his repeated requests for payment have gone unanswered.

Facing severe financial distress, Danayya stated that he had borrowed money at high-interest rates to complete the project. To repay debts, he was forced to sell 20 guntas of land and a 120-square-yard plot in Yamnjal, but the financial burden persisted. With loan recovery agents visiting his home, he said he was left with no choice but to take drastic action.

Danayya also alleged that due to mounting debts, he attempted suicide but was saved by his children. Following the incident, he was hospitalised for five days. Having lost his assets, he is now working as a daily-wage labourer in Keesara, earning ₹800 per day by operating a compression machine.

Appealing to the government, he urged officials to clear his outstanding dues, stating that he has lost his financial stability and is struggling to support his family.