Gujarat’s Morbi bridge tragedy is not just a story of structural failure but one of human error and broken trust; an indictment filed in the Morbi suspension bridge collapse that claimed 135 lives has shed light on alleged gross negligence by Oreva Group and its Managing Director, Jaysukh Odhavjibhai Bhalodia, along with nine others. The tragic incident, which occurred on October 30, 2022, has exposed multiple safety lapses, lack of technical expertise, and violations of contract terms
Under Jaysukh Bhalodia’s direct orders, the repair and management of the suspension bridge were conducted without adequate inspection or adherence to safety protocols. Despite incomplete work, the bridge was opened to the public without obtaining the necessary fitness, strength, and stability certifications. Furthermore, Bhalodia unilaterally organized a press conference and inaugurated the bridge without informing local authorities, putting public lives at grave risk.
Accused and Their Roles Highlighted in Court
The investigation presented the roles of all 10 accused, including Oreva Group managers, contractors, and staff, detailing their actions leading up to the tragedy. The court heard shocking revelations about the extent of negligence:
1. Deepak Navinchandra Parekh (Manager, Oreva Group)
- Authorized bridge repairs by Devprakash Solutions, despite lacking technical knowledge.
- Opened the bridge on October 24, 2022, before completion, neglecting to secure essential safety certifications.
- Failed to provide basic safety measures such as lifeboats, emergency teams, and disaster management plans.
2. Dinesh Mansukhray Dave (Manager, Oreva Group)
- Assisted Deepak Parekh and exhibited similar negligence.
- Ignored the need for critical safety certifications.
3. Mansukh Valjibhai Topiya (Ticket Clerk, Counter 1)
- Sold over 3,000 tickets on the day of the incident, contributing to overcrowding.
- Did not coordinate with Counter 2 to halt ticket sales despite the risks.
4. Madev Lakhabhai Solanki (Ticket Clerk, Counter 2)
- Failed to close ticket sales even as overcrowding became evident.
- Neglected crowd management responsibilities.
5. Alpesh Galabhai Gohil (Loading Worker)
- Worked as an untrained security guard.
- Failed to patrol and prevent tourists from congregating in unsafe areas.
6. Mukesh Dalshingbhai Chauhan (Loading Worker)
- Worked as an untrained security guard, neglecting to alert superiors about overcrowding.
- Did not enforce measures to control crowd flow.
7. Dilip Galabhai Gohel (Loading Worker)
- Also served as an untrained security guard.
- Did not close access or take preventive measures during overcrowding.
8. Prakash Laljibhai Parmar (Repair Contractor)
- Undertook bridge repairs without consulting experts.
- Replaced wooden planks with ACP sheets, compromising the bridge’s integrity.
9. Devang Prakashbhai Parmar (Repair Contractor)
- Accepted the contract despite lacking technical expertise.
- Conducted substandard repairs without seeking professional advice.
10. Jaysukh Odhavji Bhalodia (Managing Director, Oreva Group)
- Signed a 15-year contract for the bridge’s management, maintenance, and security but violated nine conditions.
- Failed to ensure safety inspections before opening the bridge to the public.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The court has been presented with a comprehensive account of the accused’s roles, aiming to provide clarity on the accountability for the disaster. The indictment highlights violations of safety norms and lapses in management and crowd control, painting a picture of negligence at multiple levels.
The Morbi suspension bridge collapse remains one of Gujarat’s deadliest tragedies, raising serious questions about infrastructure safety and accountability in public projects. The ongoing legal process is expected to determine responsibility and deliver justice to the victims and their families.
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