Pune: Sanjay Raut Slams Government Over Indrayani Bridge Collapse; Questions ₹8 Crore Claim, Reveals Only ₹80,000 Sanctioned
Pune: Sanjay Raut Slams Government Over Indrayani Bridge Collapse; Questions ₹8 Crore Claim, Reveals Only ₹80,000 Sanctioned
Following the tragic collapse of the Indrayani River bridge near Kundmala village in Pune’s Maval tehsil on Sunday afternoon, which claimed four lives and injured over 18 people, political tensions have escalated. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has alleged that despite claims of ₹8 crore being sanctioned for the bridge, official records only show an allocation of ₹80,000 for its repairs.
Raut shared a letter on social media allegedly issued by then Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan, stating that only ₹80,000 had been earmarked for bridge repairs. In a scathing remark, Raut said, “Either the minister signed the letter in his sleep or people are being made fools,” further targeting Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, saying, “It’s Fadnavis’ government—what else can we expect!”
As per initial reports, the collapsed bridge was already in a dilapidated condition and not fit to bear heavy loads. On Sunday, a large number of tourists were on the bridge—many with two-wheelers—when it suddenly gave way, causing nearly 40 people to fall into the Indrayani River. Four have been confirmed dead and 51 rescued by NDRF teams, while several remain missing.
The deceased include Chandrakant Gunaji Sathale (45, Wanowrie, Hadapsar), Rohit Sudhir Mane (31) and his son Vihaan (5), both from Premlok Park, Chinchwad, and Chetan Annappa Chavare (23), a native of Belagavi.
This incident has triggered outrage, especially as weekend visitors frequent the spot, located about 30 km from Pune near the Mumbai Expressway entrance. The bridge’s structural weakness and administrative neglect have come under intense scrutiny, and a political blame game is now underway.
