A tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has intensified scrutiny over safety lapses after a 41-year-old man died in a lift malfunction. Police have now recorded statements from Public Works Department engineers and representatives of a private firm involved in constructing the elevator, as the investigation gathers pace.
Man Crushed in Lift While Visiting Hospital with Injured Son
The deceased, Arup Banerjee (41), had visited the hospital with his four-year-old son, who had suffered a broken arm. The incident occurred early Friday morning when Banerjee became trapped between the doors of a malfunctioning lift in the Trauma Care Building.
According to reports, the elevator suddenly started moving while he was stuck, leading to fatal injuries. The shocking nature of the accident has raised serious concerns over patient safety in one of Kolkata’s major government hospitals.
Five Arrested, Engineers Questioned Over Safety Protocols
Soon after the incident, police arrested five individuals, including three lift operators and two security guards.
On Tuesday, investigators expanded the probe by questioning engineers from the Public Works Department and representatives of the private firm responsible for constructing Lift 2. Authorities are examining whether proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for maintenance and operation were followed.
CCTV Footage Reveals 45-Minute Delay in Rescue
Crucial CCTV footage has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the case. According to police sources, the footage shows the family entering the lift from the first floor at around 4:15 AM.
However, Banerjee was reportedly rescued only at 5:12 AM from the basement—indicating a delay of nearly 45 minutes. Investigators are now analysing this time gap to reconstruct the exact sequence of events and determine accountability.
Another video that surfaced shows Banerjee being wheeled out of the basement elevator, with his wife walking behind in a distressed condition. Police say timestamps from these visuals are critical to the investigation.
Family Moves Court, Alleges Missing CCTV Evidence
The victim’s family has approached the Sealdah Court, alleging that police have not seized all relevant CCTV footage from the hospital.
Two family members recorded their statements before the police on Tuesday, demanding a thorough and transparent probe into the incident.
Court to Hear Case on March 27
The court has taken cognisance of the family’s petition and is set to hear the matter on March 27. All five accused, currently in police custody, will be produced before the court again on the same day.
Rising Questions Over Hospital Safety and Accountability
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed debate over infrastructure safety in public hospitals. Questions are being raised about maintenance standards, emergency response delays, and overall accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure justice for the victim and implement stricter safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
