Investigations at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata uncovered that the elevator involved in the recent tragic incident had previously malfunctioned a week before. The elevator in the Trauma Care unit faced technical issues on March 13, which were reportedly addressed by engineers on the same day. However, on March 20, a resident was fatally crushed between the elevator and a wall.
Forensic experts are now probing how the same elevator malfunctioned again within a short span despite the earlier repairs. Kolkata Police detectives are questioning the effectiveness of the repairs carried out on March 13. They are trying to determine why the elevator suddenly jolted when the victim and his family were inside on March 20.
To gather more information, detectives have interviewed PWD personnel responsible for maintaining the elevator, as well as engineers, maintenance agency employees, elevator operators, and security guards. Around 30 individuals have been questioned so far. Additionally, friends and acquaintances of the deceased are being interviewed, and CCTV footage from 70 cameras within the hospital is being reviewed.
Forensic experts, along with lift engineers, inspected the lift’s control panel at RG Kar Hospital following the tragic incident. A routine inspection earlier this month had deemed the lift operational. However, days later, malfunctions recurred, leading to the fatal accident. Detectives are questioning the issuance of a ‘green signal’ after the repairs on March 13, suspecting incomplete repairs. They await the forensic report for further insights.
