Kolkata Hospital Tragedy: Police Uncover Major Lapses in Lift Death Probe
Police investigators in Kolkata have uncovered glaring security and procedural failures at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital following the horrific death of 40-year-old patient Arup Banerjee, who was crushed by a malfunctioning lift early Friday morning. The incident has triggered multiple investigations and exposed systemic problems at the government healthcare facility.
Delayed Rescue Operation Reveals Multiple Failures
According to police findings, what should have been a three-minute rescue operation stretched to 33 agonizing minutes as family members desperately cried for help. Investigators discovered that hospital security personnel were unaware that the basement key was stored in the superintendent's office, creating the first critical delay.
Even more troubling, police revealed that the hospital attendant on duty was asleep at his post and had to be awakened by others when the emergency was discovered. Once the basement keys were finally located, rescuers encountered another obstacle: the stairs leading to the basement were locked, forcing them to find an alternative route that further delayed the rescue attempt.
Family Testimony and Hospital Response
Police have recorded statements from the victim's wife, Sonali Banerjee, and his father, Amal Banerjee, who described the terrifying moments before the tragedy. "Cries came from the basement during attempts to reach the family," Amal Banerjee told investigators, adding that locked gates completely blocked access to the area.
Family members reported that hospital staff, guards, and lift operators directed them to Public Works Department personnel, claiming they held the necessary keys. Meanwhile, the hospital administration has formed an internal fact-finding committee to investigate a separate incident involving 61-year-old emergency patient Biswajit Samanta, who collapsed and died near a public toilet on Monday morning.
Investigation Expands to Multiple Parties
The police investigation has now expanded beyond hospital staff to include:
- Notices issued to the elevator manufacturer
- Questioning of the maintenance company responsible for lift upkeep
- Planned interrogation of Central Industrial Security Force personnel stationed at the hospital
Arrested lift operators have told police that protocol prevented them from possessing basement keys, while investigators examine why one staff member attempted to move the elevator during the crisis. One operator discovered a grille blocking the door when using a second lift, while another checked the machine room without finding solutions.
Broader Implications and Upcoming Review
The Rogi Kalyan Samity, the hospital's patient welfare committee, has scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday to discuss patient services and facility improvements. This tragedy has highlighted critical gaps in emergency response protocols at one of Kolkata's major government hospitals.
Police continue their investigation into whether criminal negligence contributed to Arup Banerjee's death, while hospital administrators face mounting pressure to implement immediate safety reforms. The case has drawn attention to infrastructure maintenance and emergency preparedness in public healthcare facilities across West Bengal.
