Mangalore: The inordinate delay in the construction of the Bejai market building has invited the ire of locals. On October 19, Friday, several residents of the area under the leadership of the Bejai Market Horata Samithi staged protest to condemn the apathy of the authorities in the construction of the market buiding.

Addressing the protestors, KPCC Secretary Ivan D’Souza said the construction which began in 2008 was still limping. He said though the project cost was estimate at Rs 6 crore eight years ago when the project was proposed, the cost has now increased to Rs 20 crore. He said the work has been held up as contractors were unwilling to take up the works.

He said if the MCC failed to take steps to speed up the construction, then the Samithi would lay siege to the MCC office and lock up the office of the Commissioner.

Samithi President B Ramdas Bhat and others were present on the occasion.