Close shave for Karnataka MLA as rain-damaged bridge collapses

JDS MLA from Karnataka's Manvi, who had gone to inspect a rain-damaged bridge, had a major scare as the bridge collapsed after his followers swarmed around him. Four persons were injured in the mishap, and the MLA too was taken to hospital for a check-up.

Raichur (Karnataka): Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik had a close shave on Monday when a rain-damaged bridge over a stream he was inspecting suddenly collapsed in Karnataka's Raichur district.

Videos of the incident, which took place in Mallat village in the district's Sirwara Taluk, surfaced online.

Naik, who represents the Manvi constituency in the state assembly, had gone to inspect the damaged bridge, which had developed cracks.

He went and stood almost on the edge of the damaged bridge over a swollen stream and a large number of his followers came and stood right behind him.

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Unable to bear the weight, a portion of the damaged bridge caved in and four people were injured. They were hospitalised and their condition has been stated as stable.

Naik was also reportedly taken to a hospital for check-up.

(With inputs from PTI)