In a blatant violation of government mandates, a heavy sand-laden dumper caused a bridge to collapse over the Mujnai River in Alipurduar district on Sunday morning. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s strict orders prohibiting heavy vehicles on rural roads, the illegal movement of dumpers led to this major infrastructure failure in the Jharbeltoli area under Falakata block.

The bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Deogaon and Jateswar, buckled under the excessive weight of the vehicle and plunged into the river. While the driver had a miraculous escape, the collapse has severed communication for thousands of residents. The timing of the incident has caused immense distress to Madhyamik (Class 10) examinees, patients, and local farmers who depend on this bridge for their daily commute.

Angry locals alleged that despite repeated complaints about heavy vehicles using this fragile rural bridge, the authorities turned a blind eye. A police team led by Falakata IC Prashant Biswas arrived at the spot to initiate recovery operations. An investigation has been launched to identify how the heavy dumper gained access to the restricted rural route. This incident mirrors a similar collapse in Cooch Behar on January 30, raising serious concerns over administrative oversight and the safety of rural infrastructure in North Bengal.