Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court rejected the bail plea of Jaysukh Patel, the managing director of Oreva, a clock-making company, in connection with the tragic Morbi suspension bridge collapse that claimed 135 lives a year ago. Oreva Group was entrusted with the bridge's maintenance.

Justice Divyesh A Joshi delivered the verdict, turning down Patel's application. The court had deliberated on December 13 and reached a conclusion after the arguments. The state government refrained from opposing the bail, leaving the decision to the court's discretion during the hearing.

The government presented that due to Patel's status as a businessman, the completion of the investigation, and the unlikelihood of fleeing, the court could consider using its discretion to grant bail with certain conditions. However, the victims' lawyer objected to the bail, arguing that it wasn't merely negligence but rather "gross negligence."

Last October, the British-era suspension bridge over the Machhu river collapsed, claiming 135 lives during the Diwali vacation. Oreva Group, led by Jaysukh Patel, responsible for producing wall clocks, e-bikes, and various other products, was accountable for the bridge's maintenance and management.

Patel and nine others faced charges of culpable homicide, negligence, and other offenses. Investigations revealed that Patel didn't acquire permission from the local authorities before reopening the bridge following renovation. Additionally, the probe disclosed that the renovation lacked involvement from expert engineers, and no fitness certificate was obtained before the bridge was opened to the public.

Among the ten accused named in the police charge sheet, six have been granted bail, while three remain in custody.

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