AIIMS Bhopal Employee Robbed of Mangalsutra Inside Hospital Lift, CCTV Captires Snatching Incident
In a shocking incident that has exposed glaring security lapses at one of India's premier medical institutes, a woman employee of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal was robbed of her mangalsutra inside a hospital lift. The brazen crime, which occurred on a Sunday evening, was captured on closed-circuit television cameras, sparking outrage and serious questions about safety protocols within the hospital premises.
Details of the Brazen Lift Robbery
The victim, an attendant posted in the gynaecology department, was on duty when she entered a lift located behind the blood bank building to travel to another floor. CCTV footage reveals a chilling sequence of events as a young man wearing a mask and cap approaches the lift, first checking to ensure no one else is inside before entering to join the woman alone.
According to police officials who reviewed the footage, the suspect is seen repeatedly looking around and observing the woman during the ascent. He initiated a brief conversation, asking her about the location of the ophthalmology department, possibly as a distraction tactic. When the lift reached the third floor and the doors opened, the man stepped out first but waited near the entrance.
The Violent Snatching and Aftermath
As the woman moved forward to exit the lift, the suspect suddenly turned back, grabbed her near the neck, and forcefully snatched her mangalsutra. Despite her resistance, the man pushed her aside and fled toward the staircase, escaping with the sacred necklace in the struggle.
Alarmingly, there was no security guard posted near the lift or in the immediate vicinity at the time of the incident, according to police statements. After the robbery, the traumatized woman remained near the lift area crying for approximately ten minutes until a security guard arrived during routine rounds and informed senior officials.
Security Concerns at Premier Medical Institute
While minor theft incidents have been reported earlier on the AIIMS Bhopal campus, this marks the first known case of chain snatching inside a hospital lift. The incident occurred on a Sunday when patient footfall was relatively low, potentially making the perpetrator feel emboldened to commit the crime.
Additional Superintendent of Police Gautam Solanki provided insights into the investigation, stating, "We have apprehended several persons in this case. The hospital had its own guards, but still the accused managed to pull this off. We believe he may also have been a staffer or previously worked there."
Investigation and Security Review
Preliminary investigation suggests the accused exited the campus through the IPD gate following the robbery. The victim later submitted a formal written complaint at the Bagsewania police station, initiating a thorough probe into the matter.
Police authorities are currently examining CCTV footage from inside the lift and surrounding areas to identify and trace the accused. The incident has prompted serious questions about security measures within hospital premises, particularly in areas with limited foot traffic during off-peak hours.
This disturbing event highlights the vulnerability of healthcare workers even within supposedly secure institutional environments and underscores the need for enhanced security protocols, surveillance, and personnel deployment at medical facilities across the country.
