Bhagalpur: Five police personnel, including a sub-inspector, three constables, and a home guard, were suspended after a goods-laden mini truck was found crossing the temporary Bailey bridge on the damaged Vikramshila Setu, violating restrictions imposed on heavy vehicles.
The action was taken by Bhagalpur SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav following an inquiry ordered after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
The mini truck was seen crossing the bridge late on the night of June 12-13 despite a strict ban on buses, trucks, and other heavy commercial vehicles. The restrictions were imposed by the district administration and Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited to protect the temporary structure and ensure public safety.
Taking serious note of the incident, Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary ordered an inquiry and asked officials to identify both the vehicle involved and personnel responsible for the lapse.
The DM warned that no unauthorised or heavy vehicle should be allowed on the Bailey bridge under any circumstances and directed officials to strengthen monitoring and enforcement at the site.
Pramod Kumar Yadav said the five personnel deployed on duty were suspended for negligence after the inquiry established lapses in enforcement. He added, “The inquiry report has also been sent to the concerned department for necessary action against the private personnel engaged in road safety works.”
More than 33 metres of the RCC structure of Vikramshila Setu collapsed during the night of May 3-4, disrupting road connectivity between south Bihar and the Kosi-Seemanchal region. The Bailey bridge, built by the BRO, became operational on June 7 and is meant only for light motor vehicles, pickup vans, ambulances, and two-wheelers.
