The alleged suicide of a 45-year-old contractor over pending government payments has brought Maharashtra’s long-running dues crisis back into focus, with the state contractors’ association accusing Public Works Department (PWD) officials of failing to clear his bills despite repeated requests and demanding legal action against those responsible.

Gajubhau Devkate, a PWD contractor, allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Navi Mumbai on August 25. According to the Maharashtra State Contractors Association, Devkate was awaiting payments of around Rs 2 crore for completed works and had repeatedly approached the concerned Executive Engineer, seeking clearance of his dues.

In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, association president Milind Bhosle alleged that despite Devkate’s repeated representations, the payments remained pending, causing him severe financial and mental distress.

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The association has sought a detailed inquiry and legal action against officials it holds responsible for the alleged delay. It has also warned of an agitation if the government fails to respond.

The allegations have not been independently verified.

The death comes months after contractors raised a larger concern over delayed payments by government departments. In April, contractors had claimed that dues across various government departments had accumulated to Rs 96,400 crore and threatened to halt ongoing works from April 7.

The proposed stoppage was called off a week later following assurances from Public Works Department Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale.

The latest incident has once again raised questions over the financial strain caused by delayed government payments to contractors, particularly those who have already completed works but are awaiting bills to be cleared.

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In its letter, the association said officials should immediately initiate an inquiry into Devkate’s death and take action against those found responsible. It warned that failure to do so would leave contractors with no option but to launch an agitation.