Harrang bridge collapse: 5 arrested, 3 policemen suspended

A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: A temporary bamboo bridge would be erected over the Harang River at Bhangarpar where a bridge collapsed on Tuesday late night, snapping road connectivity between the Barak Valley and the rest of the state via Silchar-Shillong road.

Barak Valley Development Department Minister Kaushik Rai on Thursday visited the site along with the newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha. Rai later said that materials for a Bailey bridge were being procured from Ranchi and within the next 20 days, the Bailey bridge would be erected, and a bamboo bridge would be temporarily made on the Harang River only for the movement of the pedestrians.

Rai said that Rs 68 lakh was allotted for the repairing of the bridge which had collapsed with two overloaded trucks. Till now, Rs 12 lakh had been paid to the contractor, informed Rai, and said that the balance amount would be held up till the enquiry on the quality of the work was complete. Rai further added that a magisterial enquiry has been ordered to probe into the allegation that overloaded vehicles were allowed through improper means to move on the bridge.

Meanwhile, the Cachar SP suspended three policemen deputed at the site to inspect the load of the vehicles. Further, five employees of two weighbridges were arrested for allegedly issuing permits showing lesser load being carried by the vehicles.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sanctioned Rs 2 crore for immediate restoration of the alternative road between Kalain and Silchar, informed PWD (Road) Minister Krishnendu Paul.

Also Read: Bridge collapses near Silchar; 2 dumpers plunge into river

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