Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Nov 9: The office of local MLA, Shakuntala T Shetty, located in 'Samarthya Soudha' near the taluk panchayat building here, suddenly developed cracks on Tuesday November 8. Cracks appeared at several places on the walls and flooring of the building. People became panicky at the prospect of the building crashing to the ground.

This building, which houses panchayat training centre and rest room in the ground floor, has the MLA's office in the first floor. The building was built about four years back at a cost of about Rs 10 lac. When her office was shifted to this building in 2013, Shakuntala Shetty had expressed suspicion about the quality of construction being substandard.

On Tuesday morning, a loud noise was heard, and the building developed cracks at various places. The tiles laid on the flooring of MLA's office broke and a crevice was formed there. The personal assistant of the MLA, staff, and some others who were present in her office rushed out on hearing the sound.

Over 40 employees who were undergoing training in the ground floor also became fearful at the sound. It is said that a pillar on side of the building sank into the earth a little, thus putting additional strain on the remaining pillars. MLA, Shakuntala Shetty, said that she would get the building properly inspected for quality and safety.