Sat Mar 21 10:57:46 UTC 2026: ### Deadly Lift Mishap at RG Kar Hospital Sparks Homicide Investigation
The Story:
A tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has led to a homicide investigation after Arup Banerjee, 41, died after becoming trapped in a lift on Friday morning. Banerjee was at the hospital because his son was scheduled for surgery. The Kolkata Police have taken over the case from the Tala Police Station and have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident.
Key Points:
- Arup Banerjee, 41, died after being trapped in a lift at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
- The Kolkata Police’s Homicide Department has taken over the investigation.
- Five individuals have been arrested under Section 105/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder): lift operators Milan Kumar Das, Biswanath Das, and Manas Kumar Guha, and security personnel Ashrafal Rahaman and Subhadip Das.
- The police are investigating the absence of lift operators and security personnel from their posts.
- The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for the maintenance of the lifts through an annual maintenance contract but delegates to private companies.
- The lift in question was installed in 2012.
- The hospital has announced that lifts will no longer operate without an operator.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident highlights potential negligence and safety lapses in the operation and maintenance of hospital infrastructure.
- The involvement of multiple parties (hospital staff, PWD, private maintenance companies) suggests a complex web of responsibility.
- The swift police action and arrests indicate the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
- The hospital’s decision to mandate lift operators reflects an immediate attempt to prevent future accidents.
- The PWD is under scrutiny and is required to submit a report on the condition of all lifts in state-run hospitals.
First Piper 