Ranchi: Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging immediate intervention in the Trikut ropeway accident case and expressing concerns over the slow pace of the investigation and alleged lapses in fixing accountability.
In his letter, a copy of which is with TOI, Prakash highlighted that even four years after the April 10, 2022, accident in Deoghar—which claimed three lives and left several others stranded mid-air for hours—the criminal investigation remains incomplete. He termed the delay “deeply concerning” and said it undermines justice for the victims’ families. On May 5, TOI reported the lack of progress in its article “4 yrs on, ropeway accident probe yet to make progress.”
The BJP leader pointed out that the Mohanpur police registered the case under bailable sections despite fatalities, stressing the need for a fair probe and a final chargesheet in line with the established offences. He also cited the Deoghar police’s own findings, which reportedly held both site manager Vineet Sinha and Damodar Ropeway & Infra Ltd managing director Aditya Chamaria accountable.
“Despite this, the chargesheet was filed only against the site manager, while the probe against the MD was kept pending,” Prakash said, adding that the investigating officer mentioned acting on “verbal instructions” from senior officials. Speaking to TOI, Prakash said, “The continued delay in action against the company’s top executive has fuelled public perception that influential individuals are being shielded. Soon after the incident, I, along with current leader of opposition Babulal Marandi, met PM Narendra Modi to apprise him of the incident. The PM sounded very concerned, but since it’s a state subject, the Centre couldn’t do much.”
He further highlighted that while the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation had blacklisted the firm and imposed a fine of Rs 9.11 crore, recovery efforts appear inadequate. “I therefore urge you to order a high-level inquiry, fix accountability of officials responsible for delays, ensure completion of supplementary investigation, expedite action against those booked in the case, and recover the penalty amount. Decisive action is essential to restore public faith in the rule of law and ensure justice for the victims,” he noted.
Background of the Incident
The Trikut ropeway accident occurred on April 10, 2022, when a cable car malfunctioned mid-air, leaving dozens stranded for hours. Three people died, and many were rescued after a lengthy operation. The incident raised serious questions about safety standards and maintenance protocols.
Ongoing Concerns
Prakash’s letter underscores the public’s growing frustration over the lack of progress in the case. The delay in charging the managing director has led to allegations of a cover-up. The BJP MP has called for a transparent investigation to restore confidence in the justice system.
