Kolkata, March 24 (NationPress) The investigation into the tragic elevator death at RG Kar has uncovered significant loopholes in protocols, revealing that security personnel were completely oblivious to the fact that the basement key was stored in the Superintendent's office. This oversight transformed what should have been a swift three-minute retrieval into a chaotic 33-minute ordeal. Arup Banerjee, who suffered severe injuries including rib fractures and internal organ damage, survived for nearly an hour after the incident. Investigators indicated that had the keys been located promptly, his life might have been preserved.

According to police reports, the delay in obtaining the key hindered the timeliness of his medical intervention.

Banerjee was pronounced dead around 5:30 a.m. last Friday. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police are compiling a list of everyone connected to this alleged case of involuntary homicide, adding to the three lift operators and two security guards already in custody.

On Monday, forensic specialists revisited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to examine the malfunctioning trauma care unit elevator where Banerjee lost his life. The elevator was inspected alongside PWD officials.

As part of the investigation, authorities have interviewed Banerjee's wife, Sonali, his father, Amal Banerjee, and various friends and relatives who were present during the incident. Notices are being issued to the elevator manufacturer and the maintenance company. Additionally, with allegations against the CISF personnel on duty, they are expected to be summoned for questioning.

Amal Banerjee informed the police that both his son and daughter-in-law were calling for help from the basement. When Arup’s friends tried to access the basement, they found the gate locked and urgently requested the security guards, lift operator, hospital staff, and CISF personnel to unlock it. They were told the keys were with the PWD.

During the investigation, it became evident that many security guards were unaware of the location of the basement keys in the Superintendent's office. After a lengthy search, a security officer finally identified the keys in the office, but an attendant who was supposed to be awake was found asleep. Once awakened, he retrieved the keys after nearly half an hour had passed. Even with the keys, not all locks could be opened, leading security guards to find an alternate route to the basement.

Arup, along with his wife and son, were eventually rescued from the elevator shaft.

After the rescue, Arup was transported on a stretcher for treatment, but unfortunately, he succumbed just minutes later.

During questioning, the arrested lift operators claimed they could not breach protocol to retrieve the keys, as they were only accessible to security personnel. One operator recounted using an alternate elevator to the basement, noticing a protective grille blocking the elevator door, while another mentioned visiting the elevator's machine room on the upper floor.

The police are currently investigating why one lift operator, seemingly unaware of the emergency, attempted to operate the elevator.