Delay in getting case papers: Victims' kin write to PMO, CM

RAJKOT: The kin of victims of the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy on Monday approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office alleging that they have been omitted from the legal proceedings in the case.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Union home minister and Gujarat chief minister, the kin expressed helplessness as they have not been provided the certified copies of the chargesheet and other investigation documents submitted by the investigators in the sessions court.They stated that there has been a delay in providing the documents despite filing an application 20 days ago.
Oreva Group MD Jaysukh Patel and nine others are accused in the bridge collapse that had claimed 135 lives and injured over 200 others.
The British-era suspension bridge on river Machchhu collapsed on October 30 last year, just 25 days after it opened for the public following renovation.
The kin of those killed in the bridge collapse have formed an association 'Tragedy Victims' Association, Morbi' and are actively participating in the court proceedings through their advocate Utkarsh Dave.
Narendra Parmar, representing the association said, "We had submitted an application in Morbi sessions court to get the certified copy of all the case papers on August 22. Usually, it takes 8-10 days to get the certified copies, but it has been 20 days now, and we are yet to get the documents."
The letter to PMO signed by Parmar on behalf of the association stated, "I have not only experienced hesitation been exhibited by the department but have also been given highly improbable reasons for the delay caused in preparing and providing the certified copies.
I am highly anxious as it is a crucial time wherein the investigation is complete, and the victim families are having no access to the case papers."
He also alleged that the delay was "only to facilitate and favour the case of the accused persons by hook or crook at the behest of some strong influential individuals."
Dave, the advocate representing the victims' association said, "The bail applications of the accused including Jaysukh Patel are pending before the Gujarat high court.
I requested the court for an extension for the want of papers and I was granted an extension. Till we don't get the certified copies of the case papers we cannot oppose the bail application of the accused."