Iron Bridge Vanish Overnight in Korba: Thieves Use Gas Cutters to Steal Structure
In a bizarre incident that has left authorities and residents stunned, a small iron bridge spanning the Hasdeo canal in Korba town, Chhattisgarh, was stolen overnight between January 16 and 17. The bridge, which had been serving the local community for nearly four decades, completely disappeared without a trace by the morning of January 17.
Locals File "Missing Bridge" Report After Noticing Disappearance
Residents were the first to notice the bridge's absence when they woke up on January 17. According to eyewitness accounts, the structure was intact and being used by people returning home until approximately 11 PM on January 16. By dawn, the entire bridge had vanished, prompting locals to approach their councillor with what they described as a "missing bridge" report.
Councillor Laxman Shrivas confirmed the bridge's disappearance and immediately submitted formal complaints to Collector Kunal Dudawat and Superintendent of Police Siddharth Tiwari. Following these complaints, an official report was registered at the CSEB police outpost, setting off a frantic investigation.
Organized Gang Uses Gas Cutters to Dismantle Bridge
Police investigations revealed that an organized criminal gang had meticulously sliced through the iron structure using industrial gas cutters. The thieves then transported the dismantled pieces away, leaving no evidence of the bridge that had stood for approximately 40 years. The bridge measured about five feet in width and, while lighter than some similar structures, represented significant public infrastructure for the community.
This incident has triggered considerable panic within both police and administrative circles in Korba. In response to the brazen theft, Korba police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and launched extensive searches at local scrap yards and metal processing facilities.
Five Arrests Made, Main Accused Still at Large
Police have confirmed the arrest of five individuals in connection with the bridge theft. However, the main accused—identified as a scrap dealer who allegedly runs an organized racket—remains at large. Authorities have learned that the administration is preparing to issue an externment notice against this primary suspect, seeking to legally restrict their movements and operations.
During their searches, police recovered some sliced-off portions of the bridge, suggesting the thieves worked in haste and may have left behind evidence in their rush to complete the operation. The discovery of these fragments has provided crucial forensic evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Similar Bridge Theft Incident Recalled from Bihar
This is not the first time such an audacious theft has occurred in India. In April 2022, thieves in Bihar's Rohtas district had similarly carted off a 40-year-old, 500-tonne steel bridge overnight. While the Korba bridge was lighter than its Bihar counterpart, both incidents highlight a disturbing trend of infrastructure theft that targets public property.
The disappearance of the Hasdeo canal bridge has raised serious questions about security measures for public infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas. Residents who depended on the bridge for daily commuting now face significant inconvenience, while authorities grapple with the challenge of preventing similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, police are examining possible connections between the arrested individuals and larger metal theft rackets operating in the region. The case has underscored the vulnerability of public infrastructure to organized crime and the need for enhanced surveillance and protection of community assets.
