Five detained in connection with man's death in R.G. Kar Hospital lift malfunction

Five individuals detained after a man's death due to a lift malfunction at R.G. Kar Hospital in Kolkata.

Police have detained five people in connection with the death of a man who allegedly got trapped inside an elevator at state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on March 20, a senior police officer said on Saturday (March 21, 2026).

The action followed a complaint filed by the victim's father, Amal Banerjee on March 20, the officer said.

Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR invoking sections related to culpable homicide, he said, adding that the five were detained on Friday (March 20) evening.

The identity of the detained persons were not known but the officer said they were involved in maintenance of the elevator in the trauma care building where the tragedy occurred.

According to the victim's family, the deceased Arup Bannerjee, in his early 40s, got stuck inside the elevator when it suddenly malfunctioned.

They alleged that the lift was under maintenance, had no operator on duty, and was not properly secured.