Congress MLA booked after inaugurating a bridge in Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s constituency

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Sajjan Singh Verma has been booked by police for inaugurating a newly-constructed bridge over the Seep river in Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Budhni constituency in Sehore district.

The FIR was registered at Gopalpur police station based on a complaint made by Somesh Shrivastav, sub-divisional officer of the Public Works Department.

The bridge connects Nasrullahganj in Sehore district to Khategone in Dewas district. It had been damaged last year during the monsoons, after which was fixed at the cost of Rs 4 crore. State officials said the bridge was not to be inaugurated for at least two to three more days.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police, Sameer Yadav, Shrivastav gave a written application stating that while the bridge was ready, it was yet to undergo load testing. However on June 30, Verma inaugurated it and threw it open for the public.

Verma along with 7-8 others was booked under IPC Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 336 (Neglecting safety and endangering life of others), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), as well as Sections 3 and 5 of the Prevention to Damage of Public Property Act, along with Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act.

Meanwhile, Verma told The Indian Express that the bridge was kept ready for inauguration but as the CM was expected for its inauguration, it was not thrown open for public use. “It was considering public convenience that two kids held the ribbon while I inaugurated it,” he said.

Verma further alleged that the act “offended” the CM, which was why an FIR was registered against him. “The police is now saying that the bridge wasn’t completely ready while I have news articles claiming contrary to it,” said Verma.

Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said, “The FIR only shows the autocratic approach of the government. Inaugurating a bridge for public good has now become an offence of IPC.”