Kolkata Lift Tragedy: Family of Deceased TMC Worker Appeals for Government Job for Widow
The family of Arup Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress worker who tragically died in the RG Kar Hospital lift accident on Friday, has made a heartfelt plea to the state government. They are requesting that his widow, Sonali Banerjee, be provided with a permanent job to ensure she can secure the future of their young son, Ayush.
Educational Qualifications and Family's Request
Arup's aunt, Krishna Banerjee, emphasized Sonali's qualifications, stating, "Arup's wife has a Masters in physics. She also has a BEd degree. We would urge the state government to give her a permanent job so that she can secure her son's future." This appeal highlights the family's immediate concern for financial stability following the devastating loss.
Medical Condition and Trauma
On Saturday morning, the Banerjee family discharged Sonali and Ayush from RG Kar Hospital and transferred them to a private facility for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Doctors from orthopaedics, paediatrics, and emergency critical care departments conducted various tests.
Hospital sources indicated that while both sustained only minor physical injuries, they are suffering from severe psychological trauma. After determining hospitalization was unnecessary, doctors sent them home. Sonali's father, Nilachal Dutta, expressed deep worry, saying, "My daughter is in severe trauma. I do not know how she will come out of this shock and raise the child."
Family's Grief and Account of the Incident
A day after the tragedy, Arup's mother, Gayetri Banerjee, remained inconsolable. She lamented, "I asked my son not to visit RG Kar Hospital but he went there because of the emergency on Thursday night." Recalling the horrific moment, she added, "When his body was brought home on Friday evening, I could not recognise him. He had a painful death."
Gayetri blamed the faulty lift and hospital negligence for her son's death. "The killer lift and the negligence of the people at RG Kar hospital killed my son. In spite of our family members pleading for help, none took any action on time. Had they shown efforts at the right time, my Baban could have been saved," she asserted. She also noted that Sonali has bruises on her face and injuries on her legs, hands, and waist, while Ayush has a black spot near his eye.
Arup's father, Amal Banerjee, expressed his profound grief, stating, "I have nothing to say. I have lost my son. I have shifted my grandson and daughter-in-law to a private hospital for thorough treatment."
Cousin's Detailed Account of the Fatal Night
Arup's cousin sister, Sutapa, who described him as her "childhood friend, brother and secret-keeper," provided a detailed account of the incident. She explained that around 3:30 AM, Ayush needed to use the toilet. "I asked the security guard to let the child use the toilet on that floor but he told us to go downstairs. My brother, nephew and sister-in-law went inside the lift and after some time, I heard the child crying," she recounted.
Sutapa questioned the guard about the lift's condition, but he assured her it was fine. Later, she heard Sonali shouting for help. "We pleaded before the RG Kar people and CISF to help us, break the door, arrange for the keys to save them but they did not take prompt action," she said, highlighting the alleged delays that may have contributed to the tragedy.
