Calcutta High Court Receives PIL for CBI Inquiry into Fatal Elevator Incident at RG Kar Hospital
Synopsis
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed seeking a CBI investigation into the tragic elevator death at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This incident raises serious concerns about public safety in healthcare facilities.
Key Takeaways
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in response to a tragic elevator incident.
The case raises significant concerns about public safety in healthcare settings.
A CBI investigation is being sought to ensure accountability.
The incident has already led to arrests related to negligence.
Forensic investigations are underway to gather more evidence.
Kolkata, March 23 (NationPress) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was submitted to the Calcutta High Court on Monday concerning the tragic death of a resident from Dum Dum, who became trapped in an elevator at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The petition claims negligence and demands a CBI investigation into the incident.
The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, has permitted the filing of the case, which is set for hearing on March 27.
Social activist Vijay Kumar Singhal initiated the PIL through his lawyer before the Division Bench that includes Chief Justice Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen.
In the petition, he asserts that the hospital management is neglecting to maintain public safety within the healthcare environment.
This negligence has led to unfortunate events, like the incident involving the elevator at the Trauma Care Building of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The petitioner requested that the investigation into this matter be assigned to the CBI.
On Friday, Arup Banerjee, a Dum Dum local, lost his life after being stuck in an elevator at the hospital.
He had gone to the hospital to seek medical assistance for his three-year-old child.
In the early hours of Friday, he got trapped in the elevator in the Trauma Care unit while his wife and child were also present.
It is reported that the elevator malfunctioned: after a brief ascent, it fell to the basement level. The doors opened in the basement, allowing Arup’s wife and child to escape.
However, before Arup could exit, the doors shut and the elevator ascended again. In the chaos, Arup became wedged in the elevator doors and suffered severe injuries.
Outside, a locked iron-grilled gate prevented immediate access. The family believes that Arup's life could have been preserved had the lock been opened promptly. Despite his family’s desperate cries for help, no assistance was provided, and the lock remained unbroken.
On the same day, Tala Police apprehended three lift operators—Milan Kumar Das, Biswanath Das, and Manas Kumar Guha—alongside security personnel Ashraful Rahman and Shubhadip Das, in connection with the event.
On Saturday, forensic experts gathered evidence from the elevator involved.
A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been filed, and investigations are currently ongoing.
Authorities at RG Kar Hospital have convened multiple meetings addressing the situation.
Point of View
It raises questions about the accountability of healthcare facilities in ensuring the safety of their patients and visitors. The call for a CBI inquiry signifies the seriousness of the allegations and the need for thorough scrutiny.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital?
A resident named Arup Banerjee tragically died after being trapped in an elevator while seeking medical care for his child.
What is the purpose of the PIL filed in the Calcutta High Court?
The PIL seeks a CBI investigation into the incident, alleging negligence on the part of the hospital authorities.
When will the case be heard in court?
The case is scheduled for a hearing on March 27.
What steps have been taken by the police in this case?
The Tala Police have arrested several individuals, including lift operators and security guards, in connection with the incident.
What is culpable homicide not amounting to murder?
It refers to a legal charge indicating that a person's actions led to another's death without the intent to kill.
