Kolkata Hospital Lift Tragedy: Police Blame Absent Staff for Man's Death
Police on Saturday presented a stark accusation in a local Kolkata court, stating that the death of 40-year-old Arup Banerjee at RG Kar hospital early on Friday could have been avoided. They asserted that lift operators and security guards had "not turned a machine meant for public convenience into a tool for murder." This tragic incident has sparked outrage and a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Banerjee's demise.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Banerjee, who was trapped inside a malfunctioning lift along with his wife and three-year-old son, succumbed to severe trauma injuries. He became stuck between the doors of the erratically moving lift, which was operating without proper supervision. Liftmen on duty were conspicuously absent during the critical moments of the incident, raising serious questions about negligence and safety protocols.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
In response to the tragedy, police arrested five individuals on Friday night:
- Lift operators Milan Kumar Das (49), Biswanath Das (48), and Manas Kumar Guha (55)
- Security guards Ashraful Rehman (31) and Subhadip Das (25)
All five were produced in court on Saturday, where public prosecutor Arindam Chattopadhyay submitted a damning statement. "They stood by and enjoyed themselves. They listened to music and killed people. They turned a machine meant for public convenience into a tool for murder. They were responsible for keeping the lift shut, but they failed to do so," he argued. The court remanded all accused in police custody until March 27.
Legal and Investigative Actions
Lawyers representing the victim's family emphasized the negligence of the accused and called for a broader probe. They claimed that several other individuals failed in their responsibilities and should be investigated. On Saturday, a forensic team visited the hospital's trauma care building to inspect the lift and determine the sequence of events leading to Banerjee's death. Another forensic examination is scheduled for Monday, as confirmed by joint CP (crime & traffic) Rupesh Kumar.
Officers from the detective department's homicide section, now leading the probe, highlighted the importance of the victim's wife's statement. "If required, we will get her statement recorded with a magistrate," an officer stated. Police have collected CCTV footage from the hospital and are seeking additional video evidence from the scene. They plan to record statements from at least 12 witnesses present at the spot, along with a couple of doctors.
Maintenance and Background of the Lift
Investigations revealed that a Salt Lake-based company was contracted to install and maintain the lift in question. This firm also manages two other lifts in the same building, while the remaining 29 lifts in the hospital are maintained by different companies. The specific lift involved in the incident is 14 years old and, according to records, had not reported any glitches recently. Police are reviewing older maintenance records with the Public Works Department (PWD) and have requested necessary documents from both PWD and the maintenance firm to assess compliance and safety standards.
This case underscores critical issues in public safety and accountability, as authorities work to ensure justice for the victim and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
