A senior official of the West Bengal government was seriously injured after falling from the fifth floor of the Food Bhavan building in Kolkata on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 11:30 am, sending shockwaves through the administrative offices located in the building.
Details of the Incident
The official, identified as 55-year-old Sanjay Kumar Das, a deputy secretary in the state's food and supplies department, fell from a window on the fifth floor. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors described his condition as serious but stable. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fall might have been accidental, but authorities are not ruling out any other possibilities.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud thud and seeing Das lying on the ground floor courtyard. Security personnel and colleagues quickly gathered and alerted the emergency services. One colleague stated, "He was in his cabin a few minutes before the incident. We are all shocked and praying for his recovery."
Official Response
Senior state government officials, including the Chief Secretary, have expressed concern and are monitoring the situation. The building has been cordoned off for investigation, and a forensic team is examining the scene. The government has assured full cooperation with the police inquiry.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols in government buildings. Many employees have demanded better safety measures, including grilles on windows and regular safety audits. The Food Bhavan, which houses several state government departments, has not reported a similar incident in the past.
Das is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in south Kolkata, where a team of doctors is attending to him. His family has been informed and is by his side. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the circumstances leading to the fall.
