Darjeeling: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who cut short her visit to Darjeeling after a portion of the Majerhat bridge collapsed on Tuesday, ordered a high-level probe, stating that a forensic inquiry will be conducted and whosoever is found guilty or at fault will not be spared. She will reach Kolkata on Wednesday morning.
Banerjee stated that a high-level investigation headed by the Chief Secretary will be conducted. She added: "We will also conduct a forensic inquiry. Whosoever is found guilty or at fault will not be spared. We have been monitoring bridges and flyovers. Primary reports state that heavy rains on Tuesday, coupled with the ongoing Metro work that involved the use of heavy machinery and caused vibrations, could be the reasons behind this sudden collapse. Everything has been recorded on video. Everything will be clear with the inquiry. Let the rescue operations be done first."
The Chief Minister said that she would return on Wednesday morning as there were no night flights from Bagdogra and due to inclement weather, chopper service could not be availed.
An ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next-of-kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured has also been announced. The state government will also bear all the expenses for treatment of those injured, said the Chief Minister.
She stated that as per the reports received at around 6:45 pm, 19 people were injured and were undergoing treatment. "I have heard that a person is dead and some railway workers are trapped under the concrete slab. It is very unfortunate that a person has died. Relief operations have been prompt and speedy and are still continuing. Ministers, police and administrative top brass have gone to the spot and are constantly keeping us posted. The Chief Secretary and I are constantly monitoring the situation from here," stated the Chief Minister.