RANGIA: A horrific incident occurred at the Rangia weekly market when a sudden collapse of the market structures resulted in numerous injuries among shoppers and vendors. The bustling market, filled with thousands of customers, descended into chaos as the roofs unexpectedly fell, triggering panic and a frantic rush to escape.
Eyewitnesses reported a scene of confusion and fear as people scrambled to flee the area. Notably, the market structures had been constructed just a year ago, but reports of substandard workmanship have surfaced, with two buildings already reduced to rubble. Approximately Rs. 70 lakh was allocated for the market's development, yet visible improvements have not materialized.
There have been allegations of the use of substandard materials in the construction of the market structures. Angry customers previously organized protests against the Rangia municipality, calling for responsibility for the deplorable state.
The local business owners have accused certain contractors and municipal officials of embezzlement via substandard work. They want a complete investigation into the scandalous activities.
Rangia market is known for having the highest tax rates among markets in Assam, yet it lacks adequate maintenance and development efforts. There have been several irregularities in the past few years, and due to those, there have been prior protests which appeared to be without solution. Due to the recent collapse, local traders are demanding an investigation into the incident and imposing strict punishment on the guilty contractors and municipal officers to avoid future incidents.
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