Shocking Revelations in RG Kar Elevator Accident: Operators Found Drunk
Synopsis
A disturbing investigation into the RG Kar elevator accident has revealed that all three operators on duty were intoxicated, lacking both training and the presence of mind to assist the victim. This shocking negligence highlights serious management failures within the hospital.
Key Takeaways
All three elevator operators were intoxicated during the incident.
No formal training was provided to the operators.
CCTV footage revealed mismanagement within the hospital.
The Public Works Department outsourced lift maintenance and operator duties.
This incident highlights a critical need for improved safety measures.
Kolkata, March 27 (NationPress) A recent investigation into the tragic elevator incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has uncovered that all three lift operators present during the night of March 20 were heavily intoxicated from consuming alcohol and were unable to fulfill their responsibilities.
Authorities revealed that the accident, which occurred in the hospital's trauma care unit, could have been mirrored in any other lift, as the personnel designated to manage those elevators were incapacitated. An insider from the Kolkata Police disclosed this information.
The three operators are currently in police custody, having confessed that none had undergone any formal training prior to their employment at the state-run facility, which commenced just a month before the incident.
The combination of inadequate training and the operators' inebriated state severely hindered any potential efforts to rescue Arup Bandopadhyay, the incident's victim.
According to the police insider, when the incident occurred, the operators failed to even consider the basic course of action, such as breaking open the elevator lock from the outside to try and save the victim.
During interrogation, the arrested lift operators claimed that being intoxicated while on night duty is a common occurrence among many non-medical support staff, according to the police source.
CCTV footage has verified that none of the three operators were present near the elevators adjacent to the trauma care unit after midnight, further highlighting the mismanagement within the hospital, particularly during nighttime hours.
The Public Works Department (PWD) had delegated the maintenance of the elevators at RG Kar Hospital to one agency, while lift operator responsibilities were contracted out to another. The previous contract for lift operators expired in February, and a new agency took over, bringing in a fresh team of operators.
Point of View
This incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and training protocols in public facilities. The negligence displayed by the elevator operators not only cost a life but also reflects a systemic failure in hospital management that must be addressed urgently.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the RG Kar elevator incident?
On March 20, an elevator incident at RG Kar Medical College resulted in the death of a victim, Arup Bandopadhyay, when the operators, who were found to be intoxicated, failed to respond appropriately.
Were the elevator operators trained?
No, the investigation revealed that none of the three elevator operators had received any formal training before starting their duties.
What actions are being taken against the elevator operators?
The three operators are currently in police custody as investigations continue into their actions and the overall safety management at the hospital.
Is intoxication common among hospital staff?
According to the arrested operators, being intoxicated during night shifts is reportedly a common practice among many non-medical support staff.
What oversight exists for hospital lift operations?
The maintenance and operation of lifts at RG Kar Hospital were outsourced, raising questions about the oversight and accountability of these contracted services.
