IMPARTIAL PROBE NEEDED INTO ROB ISSUE: MANOJ PANDEY

IMPARTIAL PROBE NEEDED INTO ROB ISSUE: MANOJ PANDEY

10-JUNE-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR--------------------------In light of the situation arising from the damage to the Itadhi Railway Overbridge (ROB), District Congress leaders have demanded the immediate opening of the railway crossing in the public interest and a high-level, independent, and impartial inquiry into the entire matter. This demand was raised through a joint press statement issued by Dr. Manoj Pandey (former District President, Buxar District Congress Committee), Vinod Maurya (President, District Extremely Backward Class Cell, Congress), and Sanjay Pandey (President, District Farmers' Cell, Congress).

The three leaders stated that the collapse or damage of a section of the Itadhi ROB—constructed at a cost of approximately ₹26.40 crore—within just 10 days of its inauguration raises serious questions about the quality of construction. They remarked that this is not merely a case of technical failure but a grave issue concerning public trust and the credibility of government development schemes.

The Congress leaders noted that the damage to the ROB is causing immense hardship to the general public. School students, patients, farmers, traders, and daily commuters are facing distress due to the lack of alternative routes. They demanded that, considering public convenience, the railway crossing be opened with immediate effect to restore smooth traffic movement.

In their joint statement, the leaders demanded accountability from the construction agency, officials responsible for quality monitoring, engineers who granted technical approval, and other responsible individuals. They insisted on a thorough investigation into the quality of materials used—such as steel bars, cement, and aggregates—as well as payment records, measurement books, and quality test reports.

The leaders alleged that the irregularities surfacing in bridges, roads, and other construction projects in Bihar over the past few years point towards corruption, the practice of kickbacks, and a weak quality control system. They asserted that had the prescribed standards been adhered to during construction, such a situation would not have arisen within days of the inauguration. They further stated that the public deserves an answer as to why adequate attention was not paid to quality testing and adherence to safety standards during the race to claim credit for the ROB's construction. The actual reasons for the bridge sustaining damage, despite the expenditure of crores of rupees, must be made public.

In a joint statement, the allegations leveled against the Buxar District Magistrate by certain public representatives were described as inappropriate and unfortunate. The leaders pointed out that the project had commenced long before the current District Magistrate assumed office, and the majority of the work had already been completed. Consequently, holding her responsible without factual basis violates administrative decorum and impartiality.

They described the District Magistrate as a sensitive and conscientious officer who remains committed to public welfare initiatives despite limited resources. Making political allegations with the intent of demoralizing the administration runs counter to democratic values.

The Congress leaders emphasized that the responsibility of public representatives is to find solutions to problems and ensure action in the public interest by coordinating with the government and the administration. If they are genuinely concerned about the public, all representatives should unite to take the initiative in opening the railway crossing, restoring alternative traffic arrangements, and addressing the grievances of the affected people.

Finally, the leaders demanded that the Government of India, the Government of Bihar, the railway administration, and the district administration conduct an independent, impartial, and time-bound inquiry into the entire matter and ensure strict action against those found guilty. They asserted that the true spirit of democracy lies in truth, accountability, and public interest, and that impartial action must be taken against the guilty, regardless of how influential they may be.