Viral: After Bihar, now locals loot parts of bridge in Assam; gross administrative negligence alleged

In a shocking repeat of Bihar’s ‘bridge theft’ scandal, parts of Assam’s under-construction Jorhat–Majuli bridge were allegedly looted in broad daylight, exposing glaring administrative failures.

A viral video and a news report posted by The Assam Tribune show thieves brazenly cutting iron rods from a pillar using boats, escalating public fury over the stalled Rs 925 crore project critical for connecting Majuli, the world’s largest river island, to the mainland.

Brazen Theft Caught on Camera

The theft occurred at the abandoned construction site, unattended for nine months after the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation withdrew.

A ferry passenger captured two men slicing structural components from a pillar and fleeing via boat.

While Assam govt is planning to resume the unfinished Majuli-Jorhat bridge, some people are seen stealing the rods of bridge in day light. This is not the first time rods of the bridge are being stolen. @himantabiswa@MajuliPolice@Jorhat_Policepic.twitter.com/7ambKKgR2B

— Pranab Sharma⚙️ (@pranabjsarmahg1) May 19, 2025

While reports stated that no arrests had been made, the footage ignited demands for accountability. Locals, meanwhile, alleged systemic negligence, citing zero security and a lack of administrative oversight at the site despite its strategic importance.

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Stalled Lifeline for Majuli

Launched in 2021 by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the 8-km bridge aimed to replace risky ferry rides, the only current transport link for Majuli’s 200,000 residents.

Yet, delays and contractor disputes have left the project in limbo, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s recent assurance of resumption ringing hollow.

Bihar Echoes: Fake Workers, Real Theft

The incident mirrors an audacious Bihar heist, where imposters posing as irrigation officials dismantled a 1976-era bridge using excavators a few months down the line.

Eight arrests followed, including department staff and scrap dealers. It is worth noting that while the Bihar bridge was defunct, Assam’s looted materials belong to an active project, deepening concerns over governance.