Enormous Adani bridge vanishes in Malad West, four arrested for theft

Four have been arrested for ‘stealing’ a 90-ft long, 6,000-kg strong iron bridge, which served as a passage for Adani Electricity’s extensive electric cables, from Malad West, TOI reported on Saturday.

The makeshift bridge was originally constructed in June last year. After obtaining the necessary approvals, a permanent bridge was erected in April this year, rendering the former structure obsolete.

To facilitate its removal, cranes were employed to relocate the old bridge to the end of Malad Back Road. However, to the astonishment of onlookers, the bridge vanished without a trace one fateful day in June.


Regrettably, no surveillance cameras were positioned in the vicinity of the section where the bridge had been temporarily stationed, complicating the investigation. It was not until June 26 that representatives from Adani Electricity made the unsettling discovery that the bridge had mysteriously disappeared.

The last confirmed sighting of the bridge was on June 6. Consequently, an FIR was filed on June 26 based on a statement provided by a senior Adani Electricity official, estimating the value of the stolen iron structure at Rs 2 lakh.

In their pursuit of leads, law enforcement authorities meticulously reviewed footage from cameras positioned along the remainder of the Back Road. Surprisingly, the footage revealed a large vehicle heading in the direction of the bridge on June 11.

Tracking down the vehicle based on its registration number, investigators unearthed that it was transporting gas-cutting equipment, evidently used in the surreptitious dismantling and transportation of the iron bridge, all without the knowledge or consent of Adani Electricity.

Among the individuals arrested for this audacious act of theft is an individual affiliated with the firm entrusted with constructing the bridge, according to the police.

Responding to the incident, a spokesperson from Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd. expressed gratitude for the prompt action taken by the Mumbai Police, leading to the recovery of the stolen materials. Ongoing investigations seek to shed light on the motivations behind the theft and to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions.

As the saga continues to unfold, the audacity and logistical challenges surrounding the disappearance of the colossal iron bridge in Malad West have captivated both local residents and law enforcement, leaving them eager to unravel the full extent of this brazen heist.