PWD, MINERAL and Mining Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav visited riot-affected areas of Mau, including Sahabad crossing, Alinagar, Aurangabad, Chowk and Rauza on Monday and enquired about the loss of life and property during violence.

Later, in a programme organised at the Ramlila ground, Yadav distributed cheques for Rs 5 lakh to 150 riot victims. He also distributed quilts to 180 poor people. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 22 projects valued at Rs 6 crore. Intermediate-pass 227 girls received cheques for Rs 20,000 each.

Later, addressing a public meeting, Yadav said his department would never compromise on quality of road construction. “Action will be taken against engineers and contractors, if it was found that an inferior quality road had been constructed. FIRs would be lodged against corrupt engineers and contractors.

During investigation if it is found that charges are serious, such officers would be lodged in jail,” he said.  “The THC will inspect roads constructed by PWD,” he said.

Terming outbreak of riots unfortunate, Yadav said compensation would be paid to those whose property was destroyed during the violence. “No compensation was paid to victims during earlier riots, but the State Government has decided to give compensation to the 900 victims of the Mau riots”, he said.