South Kolkata Tragedy: A 52-year-old lawyer practicing at the Calcutta High Court died on Saturday after falling from the fourth-floor window of his residence in South Kolkata’s Jodhpur Park area. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, which has left the city’s legal fraternity in shock.
The deceased, identified as Arunava Chatterjee, was reportedly alone at home when the tragedy occurred. Preliminary reports suggest that he fell from a window facing the building’s courtyard. The sound of the fall alerted neighbors, who immediately rushed to his aid and informed the police.
Chatterjee was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. “We are looking into whether this was an accident, a suicide, or if there was any foul play involved,” said a senior Kolkata Police official. The officer added that a forensic team has inspected the spot and collected samples for analysis.
A Respected Member of the Legal Community
Chatterjee had been practicing law for over two decades, specializing in civil and corporate cases. Known among his peers for his calm demeanor and meticulous approach to legal arguments, his sudden demise has come as a shock to colleagues and clients alike. Several members of the Calcutta High Court Bar Association expressed grief, remembering him as a dedicated lawyer and a compassionate human being.
Advocate Debasish Banerjee, a long-time colleague, described him as “a man who always stood by his clients and peers, offering guidance and support even outside the courtroom.”
Family in Mourning, Questions Remain
Chatterjee’s family members, who live outside Kolkata, have been informed and are expected to arrive in the city soon. Police sources confirmed that the body will be sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the building and nearby areas. “We are trying to ascertain his state of mind in the hours before the incident. His phone records, emails, and recent case files will be examined,” an officer stated.
South Kolkata Tragedy: Possible Theories
While police have not ruled out any possibilities, early reports indicate that the fall could have been accidental. The window from which Chatterjee fell did not have protective grills, and the ledge was narrow, raising the possibility of a misstep. However, investigators are keeping all options open until the forensic and post-mortem reports are received.
Neighbors claimed that they had not noticed any signs of distress in Chatterjee’s behavior in recent days. Some recalled seeing him reading in the balcony earlier that morning.
Community Reaction
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety measures in older residential buildings in Kolkata, many of which lack modern security features such as grill-fitted windows or balcony enclosures. Civic engineers have repeatedly stressed the importance of retrofitting older buildings to prevent such tragedies.
“This is not the first time such an accident has occurred in the city,” said a safety consultant. “We need stricter building safety guidelines and more awareness about preventive measures.”
Police Await Post-Mortem Report
Kolkata Police officials confirmed that the post-mortem report will be crucial in determining whether the injuries sustained match the circumstances described by witnesses. Any inconsistencies could lead to further lines of inquiry.
For now, the police have registered a case of unnatural death under Section 174 of the CrPC. The investigation will proceed once the forensic and autopsy findings are in hand.
External Links for Further Reading:
- Calcutta High Court Official Website
- Kolkata Police – Crime Prevention and Safety Guidelines
- Building Safety Guidelines – Government of West Bengal
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