After two years, the Morbi suspension bridge tragedy has resurfaced in the headlines, bringing forth startling revelations about the negligence that led to the untimely deaths of 135 people. A chargesheet presented before the court has accused ten individuals, including top executives of the Oreva Group and contractors, of systemic mismanagement and violations. The bridge, reopened for visitors on October 26, 2022, without obtaining a fitness or stability certificate, following the instructions of Jaysukh Patel, Managing Director, Oreva.
It was witnessed overcrowding after 3,165 tickets were oversold, coupled with the deployment of untrained security personnel.
A charge sheet had been filed against the ten accused for opening the suspension bridge that took 135 lives and holding a press conference without informing the collector or the municipality. This charge sheet tends to clarify the whole picture before the court and show what role these people played, including Jaysukh Patel.
Speaking to Vibes Of India, Jignesh Mevani, a Congress Leader, stated, “The BJP government did not even oppose when the bail was provided to the prominent accused Jaysukh Patel.” He also commented, “In the last 30 years, every such disaster never saw the involvement of a non-corrupt official with no criminal record.”
Morbi Bridge Collapse: Roles and Negligence of the Ten Accused
1. Deepak Navinchandra Parekh (Manager, Oreva Group): Assigned the repair contract to an unqualified firm, reopened the bridge without stability certification, and failed to ensure safety measures such as lifeguards or disaster management plans.
2. Dinesh Mansukhrai Dave (Manager, Oreva Group): Assisted Parekh and neglected to guide the company in obtaining a stability certificate.
3. Mansukh Valjibhai Topiya (Clerk, Ticket Window 1): Oversold tickets (3,165) to maximise profits, blamed others for mismanagement, and deployed untrained security guards without proper crowd control.
4. Madev Lakhabhai Solanki (Clerk, Ticket Window 2): Failed to stop ticket sales despite overcrowding, ignored responsibilities during rush hours, and neglected safety protocols.
5. Alpesh Galabhai Gohil (Untrained Security Guard): Worked without experience, failed to patrol, and did not warn visitors against overcrowding or standing still on the bridge.
6. Mukeshbhai Dalsingbhai Chauhan (Untrained Security Guard): Ignored overcrowding risks, failed to alert supervisors, and did not stop tourists from entering despite rising dangers.
7. Dilip Galabhai Gohel (Untrained Security Guard): Acted as a security guard without training, neglected crowd management, and failed to close access points during peak rush.
8. Prakashbhai Laljibhai Parmar (Contractor): Renovated the bridge in 2008 and later passed the contract to his son in 2022. Used substandard materials and failed to consult experts or follow safety protocols.
9. Dewang Prakashbhai Parmar (Contractor): Took over the bridge renovation contract without technical skills, conducted improper repairs, and prioritised speed over quality.
10. Jaysukh Odhavji Bhalodia (Managing Director, Oreva Group): Signed contracts for bridge maintenance, security, and ticketing but violated nine contractual conditions, leading to systemic safety failures.
