As per an NDTV report, the mishap occurred due to heavy rush of people on the cable bridge over the River Machhu in Gujarat's Morbi. Sources in India's top forensic laboratory have revealed this.
As per an FIR filed in the case, after completion of the maintenance, the agency responsible for maintaining the bridge opened it for the public after seven months on October 26. The cable bridge collapsed at around 6.30 pm on October 30, killing atleast 140 people.
FIR against agencies responsible for maintenance of bridge
Meanwhile, the police have registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide against agencies given the task of maintenance and operation of the bridge in Gujarat's Morbi city which collapsed, killing 134 people, officials said on Monday.
Morbi Municipality's chief officer Sandeepsinh Zala told reporters on Sunday that the city-based clocks and e-bike maker Oreva Group was given the contract for the renovation and operation of the bridge.
Morbi Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Tripathi said some people have been called for preliminary questioning after the registration of the FIR on Sunday night.
Death toll at 141
In the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Morbi 'B' division police station on Sunday night, police have shown "agencies responsible for maintenance and management of the hanging bridge" as the main accused, along with others whose names emerged during the course of investigation.
The case was registered under Indian Penal Code Sections 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide).
The FIR, lodged by 'B' division police inspector Prakash Dekivadia, stated that the bridge over the Machchhu river in Morbi town was not in use for nearly eight months as the local administration had roped in a "private agency" for its maintenance.
The bridge had opened on Oct 26 after maintenance
After completion of the maintenance, the agency opened the bridge for the public on October 26, the FIR said, adding that it collapsed at around 6.30 pm on October 30, killing several people as they fell into the river.
As per the FIR, the incident took place because of the "callous approach" of the agency people.
The FIR further stated that persons concerned or agencies did not pay attention to the quality of maintenance as well as repair work of the bridge.
The bridge was opened for tourists by the agency despite knowing that their "callous approach" in the maintenance and management of the bridge may lead to human deaths, the FIR stated.
"We have lodged an FIR and called some persons for questioning. We are also trying to establish contact with the Oreva company's staff who were on duty at the bridge yesterday," SP Rahul Tripathi said.
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