An illegal bridge built across a river channel to move coal-laden heavy vehicles has led to a police case against six people in Dhanbad, after residents complained that the structure obstructed the watercourse and narrowed its natural flow.
The case was registered at Katras police station on Saturday on the basis of a written complaint by Baghmara circle officer Girjanand Kisku. Those named include the project manager and supervisor of RK Coal Mining Pvt Ltd, BCCL’s Katras area general manager and assistant general manager, and the project officer and supervisor of the Gajlitand project.
According to the complaint, hume pipes were allegedly laid across the river and a makeshift bridge was constructed without permission from the competent authority. The structure was reportedly intended to allow vehicles carrying coal to cross the river, creating a direct connection between mining operations and a watercourse that residents said had been encroached upon.
The complaint also alleges that overburden and large quantities of soil were dumped near the riverbank to create a passage. This allegedly reduced the width of the natural channel and raised concerns about environmental damage and the obstruction of water movement. The report does not specify the name of the river or the permissions that would have been required for the work.
The alleged construction came to the attention of the district administration after residents complained about encroachment on the river’s natural flow. An inquiry reportedly found grounds for action, following which Kisku approached the police. The case places responsibility for investigating the alleged bridge construction with the police, while the complaint also raises questions about oversight of mining-linked transport routes and riverbank activity.
BCCL’s Katras area general manager, Manikant Pandey, said he was unaware of the matter. Katras police station officer-in-charge Praveen Kumar said the police had initiated an investigation after receiving the complaint. He added that notices had been issued to all the accused and that senior police officials had been informed.
The issue had earlier been raised by members of the Katras Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and social activists. Organisation convener Sudama Giri had approached the Dhanbad deputy commissioner, seeking action over the alleged obstruction and construction activity.
The case highlights the administrative challenge of regulating temporary infrastructure created to support industrial transport. In this instance, the alleged passage was not presented as a public road or formally approved bridge, but as a makeshift crossing associated with coal movement. The police investigation will determine the circumstances of its construction, the role of the people named in the complaint and whether the work proceeded without the required authorisations.
Police notices have been issued to the accused, and senior officials have been informed. The investigation will now proceed on the basis of the complaint and the findings cited by the district administration.
