Bridge collapse: Mahad resident files PIL seeking action against govt officials

The petitioner urged the high court to pass directions ensuring that those responsible for the bridge collapse and the consequent loss of life be booked for homicide

A resident of Mahad has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay high court seeking punitive action against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and those officials of the Maharashtra government who conducted a structural audit of the Mumbai-Goa national highway that collapsed last week.

The petitioner, Pranay Sawant, a former Assembly member from Mahad, urged the high court to pass directions ensuring that those responsible for the bridge collapse and the consequent loss of life be booked for homicide.

He also sought the NHAI be made liable to pay for the expenses incurred in the rescue operations.

The high court has admitted the plea and is likely to take up the matter for hearing on Friday.