Noida, August 4, 2023
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Sector 137 of Noida as a 72-year-old woman lost her life due to a lift malfunction that has resulted in a wave of outrage and demands for accountability. Sushila Devi met an unfortunate end on Thursday, believed to be due to a heart attack triggered by a cable snap in a residential tower of the Paras Tierra Society.
The lift, instead of plummeting to the ground, got ensnared between floors before coming to a halt on the 25th floor.
Local authorities have swiftly reacted by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against multiple parties, including the maintenance firm responsible for the lift, office-bearers of the Apartment Owners’ Association (AoA), and German elevator manufacturer ThyssenKrupp.
The FIR has been lodged under sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.
The incident transpired around 4.30 pm, but the police were informed of it only after 7 pm, by which time Sushila Devi had tragically passed away.
The woman was rushed to a hospital, but efforts to save her proved futile. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Noida), Anil Kumar Yadav, confirmed that the FIR was initiated based on a complaint lodged by Sushila Devi’s son, and the investigation is currently underway.
The accused parties in the FIR include Ajay Singh Shekhawat and Santosh Kumar Baral, directors of A N Secure (the maintenance firm), Monik Sharma, the facility manager of A N Secure, Ramesh Gautam, president of the AoA, Anang Pal Chauhan, vice president of AoA, and Neetu Salar, treasurer of AoA.
The allegations point toward their negligence which allegedly led to the tragic death of Sushila Devi.
The incident has stirred a wave of discontent among the residents of the Paras Tierra Society, who have voiced their concerns over the apparent lack of maintenance of the building’s facilities. The tragedy has prompted protests within the complex, with residents demanding the immediate resignation of the AoA office-bearers.
The situation escalated to a point where law enforcement intervention was necessary to maintain order.
While the investigation is ongoing, the incident shines a spotlight on the crucial aspect of safety maintenance in residential societies and the responsibility of the parties involved.
As the community seeks answers and justice for the unfortunate demise of Sushila Devi, the aftermath of this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent upkeep and adherence to safety protocols in high-rise buildings.
