Guwahati, Oct 13: A Kolkata-based artist has allegedly disappeared after collecting payments from two Durga Puja committees in Guwahati, leaving pandal construction and idol-making work incomplete just days before the festival.
The committees associated with Chattribari Puja and Nayantara Puja have accused Sudipta Pal of taking nearly Rs 10 lakh in payments and failing to complete the contracted work.
The accused Sudipta Pal (AT Image)
A case has been filed at Bharalu Police Station, a member of the Chattribari Puja Committee said.
At Chattribari, Pal had allegedly received Rs 5.35 lakh for pandal construction, which was scheduled to be completed by October 10.
However, only around 30% of the work had been completed by the deadline, forcing the committee to scramble to make alternative arrangements.
“He was supposed to complete the entire work by October 10, but only around 30% has been completed so far. The workers accompanying him left before October 10. We have filed an FIR at Bharalu Police Station,” a committee member said.
According to the member, the committee finalised a theme and entrusted Pal with the project after being introduced to him through the Nayantara Puja Committee.
“They bought the bamboo poles and spent around Rs 2 lakh, but the remaining money is unaccounted for. We did not know Pal personally before assigning him the contract. We got to know him through the Nayantara Puja Committee. We trusted him and handed over the work,” the member alleged.
The committee member further alleged that the workers accompanying Pal initially asked for Rs 400 to Rs 500 for food before leaving the site later that night on the pretext of purchasing materials. They did not return, the member claimed.
A Durga puja pandal gate remains unfinished leaving Chattribari committee racing against time (AT Image)
The workers had repeatedly cited delays in the supply of materials to explain the slow progress, the member said.
Pal, who was present during the initial agreement, allegedly became increasingly irregular in his visits to the site.
With the deadline missed, the Chattribari committee is now trying to salvage its original theme by hiring labourers independently.
“We will try our best to recreate the theme we had planned. We may have to reduce some elements, but we will attempt to retain its essence. We are now hiring labourers independently to complete the work,” the member said.
The Nayantara Puja Committee has reportedly faced a similar situation. Pal had allegedly been contracted to undertake both pandal and idol construction there, for which the committee paid him nearly Rs 8 lakh.
The work, however, remains incomplete, according to the account provided.
Pal is reportedly based in Jadavpur, Kolkata. The committees have allegedly been unable to reach him as his mobile phone has been switched off.
The alleged disappearance has left both committees racing against time to complete their pandals and make the necessary arrangements for Durga Puja.