A forensic team visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to collect samples from the malfunctioning elevator that resulted in a man’s death on March 20. The team is working to determine the cause of the elevator malfunction in the Trauma Care building and if it was due to simultaneous button pressing.
Arup Banerjee, a Dum Dum resident, tragically lost his life after being trapped in the hospital elevator while seeking medical treatment for his child. The elevator, which briefly ascended before plummeting to the basement level, trapped Arup inside while his wife and child managed to exit. Despite their desperate pleas, no assistance arrived to help Arup escape.
Questions have been raised about the absence of a liftman at the elevator. Three liftmen and two security guards were arrested in connection with the incident. Forensic officials collected samples from the elevator to investigate the sequence of events and determine if there were pre-existing mechanical faults. Investigators are also examining the maintenance history of the elevator.
The forensic team also gathered samples from where Arup’s body was found and the basement area. The investigation is now under the Homicide Department of Kolkata Police. The family alleges that a delay in opening the iron grille door in the basement contributed to Arup’s death. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered, and authorities at RG Kar Hospital are preparing a detailed report for the Health Department.
