The tragic collapse of the Jhulto Pul suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, on October 30, 2022, left an indelible scar on the lives of the victims’ families. Dinesh Gariya, who lost his two children, Raj and Payal, in the disaster, recalls the fateful day with tears in his eyes. He had taken them to the bridge along with his younger daughter, Bansi, who escaped the tragedy. Dinesh himself survived with injuries. The tragedy claimed the lives of 135 people, including 57 children.
Narendra Parmar, a school teacher who lost his 10-year-old daughter Dhwani, is fighting for justice through legal battles. He has filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court, demanding that the accused be charged with murder instead of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The nine accused, including Jaysukh Patel, who had the contract to operate and maintain the bridge, have been granted bail, which has further angered the victims’ families.
Last year, the victims’ and survivors’ families formed the Tragedy Victim Association (TVA), Morbi, with 112 members to demand justice and accountability. However, the tragedy has become a taboo subject in the Lok Sabha election campaign. BJP candidate Parshottam Rupala, who built his campaign around his rescue act during the bridge collapse, emerged victorious in the last Assembly elections. However, both BJP and Congress candidates are avoiding any mention of the tragedy in the current campaign.
The Patidar community, which has a significant presence in Morbi, is divided on the issue. Some Patidars, who lost loved ones in the disaster, feel that Jaysukh Patel should be held accountable. However, others express sympathy towards him and his family’s philanthropic activities. This division has added another layer of complexity to the fight for justice.
The victims’ families are deeply disappointed by the lack of political will to address their concerns. Dinesh Gariya, who used to be a regular voter, now feels disillusioned and questions the value of his vote. The Raiyani family, who lost six members in the tragedy, is embarking on a pilgrimage to Haridwar during the election period, expressing their loss of faith in the political process.
The Morbi tragedy continues to be a painful reminder of the need for accountability and justice. The victims’ families deserve closure and a guarantee that such a tragedy never happens again.
