1.15 Crore Dues Case: Warrant of Attachment Reaches Koraput Offices
Koraput | Nov 26, 2025 - A rare and dramatic incident unfolded at the Koraput District Collectorate on Wednesday morning after a lawyer arrived with a warrant of attachment against the District Collector and the Rural Development Executive Engineer (RDD), following a long-pending payment dispute dating back two decades.
The lawyer, accompanied by a process server, entered the Collector’s office to seize office assets as per court orders. However, with the District Collector absent, the Deputy Collector requested time until 5 p.m. to address the matter. The tense situation drew attention from staff and visitors, as such enforcement actions are unusual in government premises.
The case traces back to 2005, when contractor Pradeep Kumar Mohanty completed road construction work from Digaput to Kundura under the Rural Development Department. The total work value amounted to ₹73,64,769 (seventy-three lakhs sixty-four thousand seven hundred sixty-nine). Despite completion, Mohanty received no payment, forcing him to approach the court.
In 2011, he filed Suit No. 35/2011, but the department allegedly remained unresponsive. After prolonged hearings, Mohanty finally received a decree in 2018, with the court ordering payment of the principal amount along with 6% annual interest.
When authorities again failed to make the payment, Mohanty initiated an execution case in 2019 through advocate T.N. Murthy, seeking the full outstanding amount along with accumulated interest for 14 years. By 2025, the total dues calculated stood at ₹1,15,50,036 (one crore fifteen lakhs fifty thousand thirty-six).
With no compliance from the departments even after repeated notices, the court issued a warrant of attachment, prompting the lawyer’s arrival at both the Collectorate and the RDD office on Wednesday.
The incident has sparked discussion across administrative circles, highlighting the consequences of long delays in settling legitimate contractor dues. Further action will depend on the response from district authorities as per the court’s directives.
