Morbi: More than 140 people have lost their lives in the hanging bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi so far. Questions have been raised about how the bridge was allowed to open without a fitness certificate after seven months of repairs. So far, nine people have been arrested in connection with the case so far. Earlier, it was learnt that the nine were detained by the police and were being interrogated. The arrestees include two managers of Oreva companies, two ticket clerks, three security guards, and two repair contractors. More people are likely to be arrested. Meanwhile, the SIT has started its investigation.

According to sources, the company, which was actually given the contract for the bridge, handed over the maintenance responsibility to another company named Oreva. And this third company has been found to have openly violated the rules. The jhula bridge was opened to the general public without following the safety norms of the bridge and without the NOC of morbi municipal corporation. And now a big tragedy has happened. The third company has been fully blamed for the tragedy. Several officials of the company have been absconding since the incident.

Ironically, the company which understood the responsibility of maintaining the bridge does not even have a record of doing any work. According to the police, the jhulapole was opened to the people without a fitness certificate. In March this year, the company was handed over the responsibility of repairing the historic bridge. The bridge was closed for seven months for repairs. However, the bridge was opened to the general public five days ago.

At least eight to 12 months were earmarked for maintenance and repair of the bridge. A 15-year agreement was signed between Morbi Nagar Palika and Ajanta Manufacturing Private Limited in this regard. Oreva took over the responsibility until 2037. The police have the capacity to go by 150 people. But on Sunday, 500 people moved on the bridge at the same time. Tickets worth Rs 12 were sold for Rs 17 yesterday.