Mumbai: A massive 6,000-kilogram iron bridge that spanned 90 feet over a drain in the western suburb of Malad was stolen last month. Now, the Mumbai police have apprehended four individuals for allegedly stealing it.
The bridge, which had been constructed to facilitate the movement of power cables, mysteriously vanished, prompting an investigation by the authorities.
According to an official from the Bangur Nagar police station, the temporary structure had been relocated to another area in the vicinity after a permanent bridge was erected over the drain. However, on June 26, it was discovered that the makeshift bridge had gone missing. Subsequently, the construction company responsible for the bridge filed a complaint with the police.
During their inquiry, the police ascertained that the bridge had last been seen in its designated spot on June 6. As the location lacked closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, investigators reviewed footage from nearby surveillance cameras and detected a large vehicle heading towards the bridge on June 11.
By tracing the vehicle's registration number, the police successfully identified it. "The vehicle had gas-cutting machines which were used to dismantle the bridge and steal iron weighing 6,000 kg," said the official. Further investigations led the authorities to an employee of the firm contracted to construct the bridge.
Last week, the police apprehended the staff member and three of his accomplices. As a result, the stolen materials were recovered.
Locals are shocked at the large-scale theft and the resources involved in executing it.