Fatal Accident at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital: Woman Struck by Malfunctioning Elevator Suffering Multiple Injuries

R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital Incident: Investigation Underway

On Friday, March 15, 2024, the Kolkata Police detained five individuals for questioning in connection with the death of Arup Bandopadhyay, who succumbed to injuries sustained while trapped in an elevator at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The incident occurred when Arup Bandopadhyay became stuck in the elevator for more than an hour before his body was recovered. A case was registered at the Kolkata Police’s Tala Police Station following a general diary filed by his father, Amal Bandopadhyay. An FIR was subsequently lodged under sections related to culpable homicide.

Preliminary Post-Mortem Examination A preliminary post-mortem examination revealed that Arup Bandopadhyay suffered multiple severe injuries, including fractures in his ribs, arms, and legs, as well as ruptures in vital organs including the lungs, heart, and liver.

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Investigation and Response Allegations have surfaced that no lift operator or support staff were present at the time of the incident. The elevator is said to have stalled midway, leaving those inside without assistance for an extended period.

Responding to the incident, Medical Superintendent Saptarshi Chattopadhyay acknowledged gaps in on-ground response, stating that the absence of an operator or support staff during the incident amounted to an administrative lapse.

Hospital Scrutiny The hospital has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, following the rape and murder of a woman doctor on its premises in August 2024. Subsequent probes also examined alleged financial irregularities at the institution.

Former principal Sandip Ghosh, who has been accused of being involved in those irregularities, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation and remains in judicial custody.

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