Bihar: Birthday celebrations on 'unsafe' railway overbridge worth ₹26 crore; Buxar police register FIR

Patna: A controversy has once again erupted regarding a railway overbridge in Buxar, Bihar, which was constructed at a cost of crores of rupees. This time, the issue is not the bridge's technical condition but a birthday celebration held on it. A lively birthday event took place on the railway overbridge, which had been closed to the general public. People danced during the event, and the matter gained attention after a video of the festivities surfaced on social media. Following the viral video, the police have registered an FIR against the organizer.

What was the incident?

The incident concerns the Buxar-Itarhi railway overbridge. The bridge was built at a cost of approximately ₹26.40 crore. Just about 90 days after its inauguration, it was closed to public traffic due to technical defects. Reports indicate that on June 5, the Bridge Construction Corporation halted movement on the bridge for safety reasons after faults were detected in pillars number 5 and 6. Since then, the bridge had been completely closed to the public, and no one was permitted to access it.

Amidst this, a lively birthday celebration was organized on the bridge on the night of July 11. Many people attended the event and danced on the bridge. Once the video of the gathering surfaced, questions arose as to how such an event could be held there when the bridge was closed to the public. The viral video also raised questions regarding the functioning of the Buxar administration and the Bridge Construction Corporation. People questioned how permission was granted for so many people to hold an event there when public access was restricted due to structural damage.

As the issue escalated, the Buxar police took action. The Buxar Superintendent of Police stated that an FIR has been registered under various sections against the organizer, Rakesh Kumar Singh, regarding the event held on the bridge on the night of July 11. The police stated that the matter is under investigation and further action will be taken in accordance with the law. It is reported that a vibrant cultural program was also part of the birthday celebration held on the bridge. People can be seen dancing on the bridge in the video. This incident subsequently drew various reactions on social media.

Why did the police register FIR against organizer Rakesh Kumar Singh?

This railway overbridge has previously been in the news due to technical issues; it had to be closed shortly after its inauguration because of a defect. Now, a birthday celebration held on the same bridge has sparked a fresh controversy. The police have registered a case against the organizer. The investigation will now determine how the event was held on the closed bridge and the roles played by those responsible. Meanwhile, the question remains: how did such a large event take place on a bridge where public access was prohibited?