Kolkata: The Hastings Police has started a probe after the project manager of a French firm that has been currently entrusted with the repair work of Vidyasagar Setu lodged a theft complaint. He has alleged the theft of heavy steel structural components, valued at about Rs 2 lakh, from the repair site.Anatolii Babadzhanov, the project manager of Freyssinet Menard India, alleged that the high-value materials were essential to the structural integrity of the iconic cable-stayed bridge, also known as the second Hooghly Bridge. Babadzhanov, a Russian national, reported that unknown miscreants targeted the designated storage area atthe middle of the bridge, between June 26 and Aug 7.The stolen components consist of four heavy steel ball bearing plates, weighing 200 kg. “During an inspection on Aug 7, we found the items missing,” Babadzhanov wrote in his complaint.Police sources said they suspect the involvement of an insider. “We are investigating all angles. Police patrolling is conducted on this stretch 24×7 as VIPs often take this route to reach Nabanna. Moreover, the store area is fenced off and they have deployed private guards. It is not an easy task to lift such heavy weight. Hence, we are investigating all possible angles,” said an investigating officer.Emphasizing on the importance of the stolen parts, Babadzhanov said: “The loss of the steel elements may affect the planned sequence and schedule of the repair. There is currently no immediate replacement available.”“The construction site is not staffed by a dedicated security service. One of our workers remains at the site during the night. He didn’t report any unusual activity,” the complainant stated.Babadzhanov provided site maps and location blueprints of public surveillance cameras. Following the receipt of the complaint, the investigating officer inspected the spot on the bridge, recorded statements from site personnel, and confirmed that a cognisable offence had taken place. Police subsequently registered a case under Section 303(2) of the BNS for theft against unknown miscreants.
