Kolkata: Five people, including three lift operators and two security personnel, have been arrested in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man who was trapped inside a malfunctioning lift at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday, March 20.

The deceased, Arup Bandyopadhyay, a resident of Dum Dum, had gone to the hospital early Friday morning with his wife and four-year-old son for the child’s treatment. Around 5 am, the family boarded a lift in the trauma care building to reach the fifth floor. 

According to hospital sources, the lift malfunctioned shortly after they entered. Despite pressing the button for the fifth floor, the lift gave a sudden jerk and, instead of moving upward, descended to the basement. There was reportedly no operator present inside the lift at the time.

After remaining stuck for some time, the lift doors eventually opened, and all three were brought out. However, Bandyopadhyay was found critically injured and was declared dead at the spot. His wife and son escaped unharmed.

A post-mortem examination later revealed that the victim died of polytrauma. Several of his ribs were broken, and multiple internal organs were severely damaged, indicating the impact of a sudden and forceful mechanical failure.

Also read: ‘Trapped for 1 hour, no rescue’: 55-year-old dies in RG Kar Hospital lift; family alleges negligence 

Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family at Tala Police Station, an investigation was initiated into possible negligence and lapses in maintenance. Police subsequently detained and arrested five individuals linked to the operation and security of the lift system.

The arrested persons have been identified as Milan Kumar Das, Biswanath Das, and Manas Kumar Guha, all lift operators, along with security guards Ashrafal Rahman and Shubhadeep Das. All five are set to be produced before the Sealdah ACJM court on March 21.

Investigators are currently examining whether the lift was functioning despite being under maintenance and if mandatory safety protocols were ignored. Authorities are also probing why there was no operator present and whether timely rescue efforts could have prevented the fatality.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with serious concerns being raised over infrastructure safety, maintenance standards, and emergency response systems at one of Kolkata’s major government hospitals.

Suvendu Adhikari alleges ‘deliberate act’, demands murder case
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed the lift had been repaired and alleged the incident was deliberate, calling for a murder case to be registered. He held the hospital superintendent, health officials, and the state health minister accountable for the death.