Kolkata Lift Tragedy Victim's Family Performs Final Rituals Amidst Grief and Demands
Three days following the tragic death of Arup Banerjee, aged 40, his grieving family members conducted his shradh ceremony on Monday in their Dum Dum residence. The solemn rituals unfolded inside their 3BHK flat at Jawpur, where his sister Arpita and nephew Adrito participated actively, while other relatives maintained a subdued and respectful presence throughout the proceedings.
A Community in Mourning: Steady Stream of Condolences
Outside the family home, however, the atmosphere conveyed a contrasting narrative of communal solidarity. A continuous flow of neighbors and acquaintances arrived throughout the day, patiently waiting to offer their final respects to 'Buchu' — the affectionate local nickname by which Arup was widely known in the neighborhood. This outpouring of support highlighted the deep connections he had forged within the community.
Father's Anguish: Blaming Administrative Failure for Son's Death
Amal Kumar Banerjee, the 75-year-old father of the deceased, expressed profound sorrow and frustration, explicitly attributing his son's demise to what he termed an administrative failure. "My son died because of an administrative failure," he cried out, referring to the lift tragedy at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital that occurred last week.
With elections approaching, Amal noted the influx of political parties making promises but firmly stated, "I know elections are around the corner and that is why multiple political parties are coming with promises. But I don't want my son's death to become an election agenda. I only want the failure that killed him to be corrected and those who denied him help at that critical moment to be punished." His voice broke with emotion as he emphasized the need for accountability over political exploitation.
Family's Appeal: Seeking Job Security for the Widow
Arup Banerjee, who worked as a contractual employee with the South Dum Dum Municipality and was an active functionary of the Trinamool Congress, leaves behind a widow, Sonali, and their young son. On Monday, the Banerjee family reiterated their appeal to the state government, urging that Sonali be granted a permanent job to ensure financial stability for their future.
"Sonali is well qualified. She has a Master's degree in Physics and a BEd," explained Arup's cousin Ashish, underscoring her credentials and the family's hope for a dignified resolution.
Personal Memories: A Life of Service and Unfulfilled Plans
Relatives shared poignant memories of Arup, revealing that he had planned a vacation with his wife and son, Ayush. "Arup was supposed to take Sonali and Ayush on a vacation. They were so excited. The bags are still packed," recounted a relative, quoting his mother, Gayatri Banerjee, who remained secluded in her grief throughout the day. "She feels like she can still hear him calling Maa," adding a layer of personal tragedy to the incident.
Fellow party worker Santu Das reminisced about Arup's compassionate nature, stating, "I still remember how he carried a patient in his arms, who had suffered an accident, to the hospital. During Covid, he would run around all day arranging medicines for people stuck at home." These anecdotes paint a picture of a man dedicated to community service, making his untimely death all the more devastating for those who knew him.
