ACB to probe Gambhira bridge collapse, SIT formed to investigate misuse of power, funds

In a significant development in Vadodara’s Gambhira bridge collapse case, the Gujarat government has handed over the investigation to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), signalling possible administrative lapses and financial irregularities behind the incident.

According to officials, the ACB has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of misuse of authority, embezzlement of public funds, and the accumulation of disproportionate assets by government officials associated with the project. The SIT will be led by DIG Makrand Chauhan and will include SP Paresh Bhesaniya and four police inspectors, among other senior officers.

Sources in the ACB confirmed that five officials from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department — who were involved in the construction of the bridge — have come under scrutiny. ACB teams have already conducted raids at multiple locations linked to these officials.

Speaking to the media, DySP (ACB) G V Padheriya stated, “The ACB has begun a comprehensive investigation into the bridge collapse case. Our primary focus is on examining whether there was any criminal negligence, misuse of power, or financial misappropriation involved in the execution of the project.”

The investigation will also delve into the quality of materials used in the construction, tender allotment procedures, and compliance with structural safety norms. The ACB suspects that corners may have been cut, leading to structural vulnerabilities in the bridge, which had raised alarms just days before the collapse.

This move comes amid growing public outcry and political pressure over the incident, which is being seen as a glaring example of systemic corruption and infrastructural mismanagement.

Officials stated that the SIT will function independently and submit its findings directly to the ACB Director. Further arrests or departmental actions may follow based on the outcome of the inquiry.

The Gambhira bridge collapse has once again brought infrastructure accountability under the scanner, with demands for strict action against erring officials growing louder.