Kolkata, 3 July (H.S.) -

A 41-year-old contractor was found dead on Wednesday night at the construction site of a multi-storey building belonging to a reputed shoe company in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The deceased has been identified as Subhrajyoti Dhar, a resident of Naya Basti in Barrackpore, who had been working as a contractor on the project.

According to police sources, Dhar had been missing since Wednesday evening. When he did not return or respond to calls, other workers at the site began searching for him. His body was eventually discovered at the bottom of an unfinished lift shaft inside the building. Authorities from the Barasat police station and the fire department were immediately alerted. Emergency responders broke down part of the lift shaft wall to retrieve the body, which was then sent for post-mortem to the Barasat Medical College and Hospital.

Locals reported that Dhar, popularly known in the area as “Comrade,” had been associated with the shoe company for a long time and had previously worked on its projects in both Barasat and Sodepur.

The incident has raised several questions. If it was an accident, why was he alone at the site? Why did no one witness the fall? And could there be foul play involved? Police have launched a thorough investigation into all possible angles, including accidental death and potential foul play.

CCTV footage from cameras installed around the construction site is being reviewed for clues. As of now, police have registered a case of unnatural death. However, Utpal Bhaduri, a supervisor for the company, has declined to provide any information regarding the deceased.

The discovery of the body has triggered shock and fear in the local area. Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the death will become clearer following the post-mortem report and further evidence gathering.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh