A scuffle broke out between guards and contractual workers at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital in central Kolkata on Sunday over alleged refusal by the security staff to open a gate, which apparently delayed the treatment of a contractual worker, resulting in his death.
Senior officials of the medical college said they had heard about the incident and would take appropriate steps once a written complaint was filed.
“The police have been informed about the incident. We will take necessary steps once we get a written complaint,” said a senior official on Sunday.
Some contractual employees alleged that one of their colleagues who lived in the staff quarters adjoining the hospital had fallen ill and needed immediate medical attention.
“Gate No. 5, which remains open on other days, was closed today. It was the closest to the quarters and would have allowed quickest access to the emergency ward. But despite our request, the security personnel refused to open the gate. We had to take a detour through another gate to take our friend to the emergency ward. But by then it was too late. He died,” a police officer quoted a contractual employee as saying.
Following the death, a clash broke out between guards and contractual workers.
The crowd was dispersed by officers of Bowbazar police station.