Steel Bridge Disappears in Korba
A shocking incident occurred in Korba city, Chhattisgarh, where a 70-foot-long steel bridge, weighing over 10 tonnes, was stolen overnight. Local authorities reported the bridge, which spanned the Hasdeo Left Canal, had been a pedestrian pathway for nearly 40 years before it vanished, leaving residents in disbelief.
The theft came to light when local residents noticed the absence of the structure on January 18, 2026. Following this, Laxman Shrivas, a local corporator, formally lodged a complaint with the police, prompting an investigation.
Nuts and Bolts of the Investigation
Upon initiating the investigation, police discovered that multiple suspects had been involved in the meticulous planning and execution of the crime. Additional Superintendent of Police Lakhan Patle stated that authorities suspect a total of 15 individuals played a role in the theft, using gas cutters to sever the iron railings of the bridge.
Following the investigation, five suspects were apprehended: Lochan Kevat (20), Jaysingh Rajput (23), Moti Prajapati (27), Sumit Sahu (19), and Keshavpuri Goswami alias ‘Picture’ (22). All of the accused are residents of the CSEB police chowki area. Mr. Patle added that these individuals confessed during interrogation, revealing that their motive was to sell the stolen iron as scrap.
Background on the Bridge
The stolen bridge, spanning five feet in width and approximately 70 feet in length, was a significant part of the local infrastructure, allowing pedestrians easy access across the canal. Built nearly 40 years ago, it served its purpose well until its shocking disappearance.
Local residents are now forced to use a nearby concrete bridge to cross the canal, highlighting the bridge’s importance in everyday life. The community’s sense of security has been shaken, as a structure that had stood for decades was stolen without a trace.
Police Efforts and Findings
To address the theft, a special police team was established to delver deeper into the incident. Utilizing technical analysis and information from informers, police were able to narrow down their search to the identified suspects. “We are actively working to track down the remaining 10 suspects, including the alleged masterminds Mukesh Sahu and Aslam Khan, who are currently on the run,” said Mr. Patle.
During their probe, authorities discovered approximately seven tonnes of the stolen steel hidden within the canal area. The vehicle used for transportation of the stolen materials has also been seized, leading police to further their inquiries into where the remaining materials might have been sold.
Community Reaction
Following the theft, community members expressed anger and confusion over the audacious act. Resident Ramesh Gupta, reflecting the thoughts of many, said, “It’s unbelievable that something like this could happen without anyone noticing. The bridge was part of our daily life. Now it feels unsafe.”
Moreover, corporator Laxman Shrivas spoke to reporters, emphasizing the bridge’s historical significance. “It has served the community well for decades, and to see it disappear overnight is a tragic loss for us all,” he stated.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
As investigations continue, police remain focused on recovering the full amount of stolen material and apprehending the remaining suspects. “We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this crime are held accountable and that any remaining stolen property is returned,” reassured ASI Bhimsen Yadav, in-charge of the CSEB police chowki.
The police have also instituted a strategy to enhance security around vulnerable infrastructures within the community, aiming to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
This incident has underscored the vulnerabilities present in local infrastructure and has prompted government and police officials to reassess monitoring and protection measures for public assets. Authorities are not only focusing on the immediate investigation but are also exploring better security protocols for the community.
With five arrests made and ongoing efforts to track the other suspects, it remains to be seen how this case will unfold in the coming weeks. The local police are urging anyone with information regarding the theft or the individuals involved to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.
The story of the missing bridge serves as both a reminder of the fragile nature of local infrastructures and the unexpected challenges that communities may face in ensuring safety and security.