Two engineers suspended for bridge collapse in Mumbai

Mumbai: A day after a foot overbridge (FOB) collapsed outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), killing six persons and injuring at least 31 others, the police has sought the audit report of the structure from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The police filed a first information report (FIR) against the BMC and the Central Railway (CR) late on Thursday night under sections 304 (A) (causing death by negligence), 337 (endangering life and personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code and the investigation is underway to fix individual responsibility in the matter.

The BMC, meanwhile, completed its internal inquiry on Friday and has held M/s RPS Infraprojects Pvt Ltd responsible on several counts including fudging with the age of the bridge and its condition. The report will be sent to the police.

“The probe is progressing and we will issue summons to those concerned as per the findings. The BMC’s report is awaited on the same,” said a senior police officer.

The investigation will focus on the auditor of the ill-fated structure that came crashing down despite it being certified as ‘in good condition’. A case of death due to negligence was filed by the Azad Maidan police station.

Upon receiving the BMC’s inquiry report, the police will summon those named by the corporation to record their statements. “The findings of the audit report and the BMC’s internal inquiry will be part of the police’s probe, but the investigation will not just be based on the same. The investigation will focus on criminal negligence and if there was a larger conspiracy at play,” said an officer of Azad Maidan police station.

The police also refuted claims that the case against Railways would be withdrawn. The investigation in the case will pinpoint the agency responsible for the tragedy, the police said.