MANSEHRA, Oct 26: A contractor and an engineer of the Tehsil Council Balakot scuffled in the office of EDO (finance) over the release of outstanding bills.

They were separated and locked in different rooms by the District Council officials.

The contractor, Mohammad Irshad, told reporters that he had carried out development work worth Rs3.5 million in Balakot Tehsil in 2001-2002, but TMA engineer Mohammad Bashir was reluctant to release the outstanding bills.

He alleged that the engineer, besides receiving 10 per cent commission on the projects, was demanding more illegal graft.

The contractor said the engineer had complained to the LG department secretary, who ordered an inquiry into the case and appointed the EDO (finance) as the inquiry officer.

He said that he had come to the EDO office to record his statement, where the engineer attacked him.