Robbery in AIIMS Bhopal Lift: Woman Employee Pushed, Mangalsutra Snatched in Seconds

A shocking chain-snatching incident has been reported from AIIMS Bhopal, where a woman employee was robbed inside a hospital lift, raising serious questions over campus security.

The incident occurred on Sunday but came to light on Monday after CCTV footage surfaced. According to officials, the robbery took place in a lift located behind the blood bank area of the hospital.

How the incident unfolded

The victim, identified as Varsha, was alone in the lift while on duty when a young man wearing a face mask entered. CCTV footage shows the accused striking up a brief conversation with her, asking about a medical department to avoid suspicion.

As the lift reached the third floor, the man stepped out, suddenly turned back, and attempted to snatch her mangalsutra. When the woman resisted, the accused pushed her aside and fled towards the staircase, escaping with the chain within seconds.

No security presence at the spot

Notably, there was no security guard stationed near the lift at the time of the incident. The matter came to light only later when a guard arrived during routine rounds and alerted senior hospital officials.

The victim subsequently contacted Bagsewania police and lodged a complaint. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused escaped the AIIMS campus through the IPD gate.

Investigation underway, accused unidentified

Police said patient footfall at the hospital was relatively low due to the Sunday holiday and Republic Day on January 26, which may have helped the accused flee unnoticed. As of now, the suspect has not been identified, and police are examining CCTV footage from multiple locations to trace his movements.

Security concerns raised

While minor thefts have been reported earlier on the AIIMS Bhopal campus, this is reportedly the first case of chain snatching inside the hospital premises. The incident has sparked concern among staff and visitors, with questions being raised about the adequacy of security arrangements, especially in sensitive areas like lifts and corridors.

Hospital authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement, but sources indicate that internal security protocols are likely to be reviewed in light of the incident.