ACT OF GOD OR ACT OF FRAUD?

Ahmedabad: The death toll in Morbi bridge collapse rose to 141 on Monday, a senior Gujarat police official said, adding that the rescue operation was still underway. Police have registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide against agencies given the task of maintenance and operation of the bridge. So far, 9 people have been arrested by Gujarat Police after interrogation in connection with the tragedy. The more than a century-old bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi, located around 300 km from the state capital Gandhinagar, had reopened 5 days ago after extensive repairs and renovation. It was crammed with people when it collapsed around 6.30 pm on Sunday. The bridge was reopened after a private inaugural event and was yet to receive the municipality’s “fitness certificate,” a civic official said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday took note of the Morbi bridge collapse mishap in Gujarat situation again and visited the city collector’s office on Monday after over 132 casualties were reported in the incident. “By reaching the collector’s office in Morbi early this morning, took stock of the current situation of all matters including search operation, reliefrescue operation, treatment of the injured and gave necessary instructions to the system,” tweeted CM Patel. According to the latest reports, the death toll in the mishap had gone up to 132 on Monday morning. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that a criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident.