Pappu Construction, a construction company notorious for grabbing a large number of projects but not completing them on time, on Monday provided ‘relief amount’ to the families of the deceased of Rautahat boat tragedy apparently to cover the incident.

A boat ferrying 29 passengers across Lalbakaiya River on August 25 collided with a pillar of the bridge under construction by the company. The boat capsized killing five passengers in Tikuliyaghat village, Rautahat.

On September 25, Rautahat District Court issued an arrest warrant naming Pappu Construction Chairman Sumit Rauniyar culpable in the boat tragedy.

A crucial point to note is Sumit’s father and lawmaker Hari Narayan Rauniyar had signed the contract to construct the bridge over Lalbakaiya River.

Post learnt Hari Narayan’s relative gave Rs 305,000 each to the families of the deceased. According to Ram Babu Sah, who lost his mother in the boat tragedy, Hari Narayan’s son-in-law Maheshwor Kurmi handed them the money.

The families of the deceased were told to sign a document stating that they received the money.

“Kurmi further requested us to make suitable environment to resume the construction of the bridge,” Sah said.

The families of the victims received the money in the presence of Gaur Municipality-4 Ward Chairman Bhuwansehor Prasad Shahi.

Pappu Construction representatives also offered jobs to family members of those killed in the boat tragedy when the company starts construction work, locals alleged.

Chief District Officer Govinda Prasad Rijal said the District Administration Office has no knowledge about the money been given to the families of the victims. “We have no information. I will inquire about it,” he said.