KOLKATA: A bridge collapsed on Friday while a goods-laden dumper was crossing in West Bengal’s Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar district, officials said. The incident occurred in the morning when a portion of the bridge gave way with a loud noise, leaving the vehicle stranded. The bridge at Baromashia Debnathpara connects Debnathpara New Market with Baromashia over a river. The driver was rescued and given primary medical treatment, and there were no casualties. “This bridge is at least 25 to 30 years old and poorly maintained,” a local resident said. “Heavy vehicles use it regularly. We had feared an accident for a long time.” Residents have also warned of potential connectivity issues ahead of the upcoming Madhyamik exams if no alternative route or temporary bridge is arranged. The incident has triggered a political exchange between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya posted on X, saying: “This bridge in Sitalkuchi is a stark symbol of what ‘cut money’ culture under Mamata Banerjee has done to West Bengal… This is not development. This is decay driven by corruption.” Responding to the allegations, TMC leader Debangshu Bhattacharya Dev hit back at Malviya, stating: “How can the TMC get ‘cut money’ from a bridge built during the Left regime? Can BJP answer how many bridges collapsed in Gujarat and Bihar in the past 1–2 years made by their double engine ‘space technology?” Senior administrative officials reached the site shortly after the collapse to assess the situation. Authorities are examining the bridge’s condition and exploring temporary arrangements to ensure connectivity for local residents.
