Sambalpur: Chaurpur Bridge in Sambalpur Earns a Grim Reputation as a Suicide Point
Sambalpur: The second bridge over the Mahanadi River, known as Chaurpur Bridge, was originally built to connect the Ghaneshwar area village to the city. However, since its completion, the bridge has gained a reputation for frequent accidents and suicides. What was intended to be a recreational area for residents has unfortunately become a symbol of tragedy, with the stigma of being a “Suicide Point.”
Tragic Incidents Continue Unabated
This bridge, built across the Mahanadi River, draws a large number of visitors in the morning and evening. Despite its popularity, it has become a frequent site of unfortunate events. Kajal Sahani, a 14-year-old girl, fell into the river’s strong currents this morning. Similarly, on the 2nd of this month, another tragic incident occurred, adding to the bridge’s dark history.
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Recent Incidents Raise Concerns
Santosh Tandi of Sunapali went missing after falling into the Mahanadi River on a recent night. He was reportedly experiencing severe mental distress. In June 2020, a 29-year-old woman from the Dhama police station area jumped off this bridge with her 5-year-old daughter. The woman, originally from Kesinga, had returned to her parents’ home in Dhama. However, for unknown reasons, both mother and daughter went into the river.
Increasing Accidents Due to Reckless Behavior
Despite the heavy traffic on the Bhakta Bridge, the younger generation frequently engages in dangerous bike racing, which results in numerous accidents and fatalities. Before the elections, three bikes collided on this bridge, killing two people on the spot and one more while being treated.
Calls for Safety Measures Go Unheeded
After receiving repeated public complaints, the police administration agreed to install CCTV cameras on both sides of the bridge. Additionally, there were proposals to install wire mesh barriers around the bridge to improve safety. Officials designed these measures to provide real-time monitoring and quick response to incidents. Despite their promises, authorities have not yet implemented the proposed safety measures, raising widespread concerns among locals. The police have only established an outpost on one side of the bridge, claiming that they have completed the work.
