In a bizarre incident that has left residents and authorities stunned, an entire iron bridge spanning the Hasdeo canal in Chhattisgarh's Korba district vanished overnight. The structure, which had served the local community for nearly four decades, was allegedly dismantled and carted away by a gang of thieves in a meticulously planned operation.
Bridge Disappears Between Night and Morning
According to eyewitness accounts, the approximately five-foot-wide bridge was fully intact and being used by residents until around 11 PM on January 16. People were crossing it to return to their homes in ward number 17 as usual. However, by the next morning, the structure had completely disappeared, leaving only empty space over the canal.
Organized Operation Uncovered
Police investigation revealed that the theft was executed with professional precision. Preliminary inspection showed clear gas-cutter marks on the remaining portions of the bridge, indicating that the structure had been systematically sliced into manageable pieces. The operation reportedly involved at least fifteen suspects working through the night.
At the crime scene, investigators found some sliced-off iron portions that had been left behind, suggesting the perpetrators worked in considerable haste despite their methodical approach. The scale and speed of the operation pointed toward organized criminal activity rather than opportunistic theft.
Police Launch Intensive Investigation
The matter came to light when alarmed residents alerted local councillor Laxman Shrivas, who immediately visited the site and confirmed the bridge's disappearance. He subsequently filed written complaints with Collector Kunal Dudawat and Superintendent of Police Siddharth Tiwari.
Following the complaints, Korba police registered a formal case for theft and damage to public property at the CSEB police outpost. The incident created significant concern within both police and civic administration circles, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the case.
Scrap Dealer Emerges as Prime Suspect
Police identified the alleged mastermind as Mukesh Sahu, also known by the alias 'Barbatti,' who operates as a scrap dealer in the area. According to authorities, Sahu is believed to be absconding and is considered a habitual offender. The administration is reportedly preparing to issue an externment notice against him.
Investigators have learned that Sahu's business had previously faced legal action, including a substantial central GST penalty of approximately one crore rupees. This history has strengthened suspicions about his involvement in organized scrap theft operations.
Additional Theft Compounds Concerns
Adding to the gravity of the situation, thieves also allegedly cut and removed heavy iron guards that were installed to protect a municipal drinking water pipeline running across the same canal. Fortunately, officials confirmed that the pipeline itself remained undamaged, preventing what could have been a severe water crisis affecting over 250,000 residents of the area.
Local residents have expressed strong suspicions that the entire operation was orchestrated by an organized scrap mafia operating in the region. The brazen nature of the theft—stealing an entire bridge—has heightened concerns about public infrastructure security.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Korba police have launched extensive searches at suspected scrap yards across the district as part of their investigation. These efforts have already resulted in the arrest of five individuals connected to the case. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Tiwari has assured that the investigation is progressing actively and that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in the theft.
The disappearance of the bridge has not only disrupted daily life for residents who depended on it for crossing the canal but has also raised serious questions about the security of public infrastructure in the region. Authorities are now examining measures to prevent similar incidents in the future while continuing their pursuit of the remaining suspects.
