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Bhopal: A reported chain-snatching incident inside a lift at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal, has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety arrangements at the central government-run medical campus. The episode, which allegedly took place within a restricted hospital area, has raised concerns among staff and visitors about security coverage in sensitive zones of the institution.

Incident Reported Near Blood Bank Area

According to information available so far, the incident occurred on Sunday evening in an elevator located behind the blood bank building on the AIIMS campus. A female staff member was alone in the lift when an unidentified man entered shortly afterward. The enclosed setting and absence of immediate assistance appear to have contributed to the ease with which the act was carried out.

Victim Identified as Hospital Staff Member

The woman involved has been identified as Varsha Soni, an attendant working in the Department of Gynaecology. Colleagues later confirmed that she was on routine duty at the time. There were no reports of physical injury, but the incident is said to have left her visibly shaken.

Accused Used Deception Before Acting

Preliminary details suggest the man was wearing a surgical mask and appeared to blend in as a regular visitor or patient. He reportedly initiated a brief, casual conversation, asking the woman which floor housed the Ophthalmology department. Investigators believe this interaction was intended to lower suspicion before the theft.

Chain Snatched as Elevator Reached Third Floor

As the elevator stopped at the third floor, the man stepped out but abruptly turned back. He allegedly lunged toward the woman, attempting to grab both her mangalsutra and a pearl necklace. While the second item could not be taken, he managed to snatch the mangalsutra before fleeing the scene.

Victim Left Distressed, No Immediate Help Available

Following the incident, the staff member reportedly remained seated near the lift area for several minutes in a state of shock. There was no immediate intervention by on-duty security personnel, allowing the suspect to escape the premises without resistance. The lack of quick response has since become a focal point of concern.

Police Act After CCTV Footage Circulates

Although no formal complaint was filed by the victim, the matter came to the attention of law enforcement after CCTV footage of the incident began circulating widely. Police in Bhopal initiated an investigation on their own, reviewing surveillance recordings from within the hospital complex and surrounding routes.

Suspect Believed to Have Escaped on Two-Wheeler

A senior police official told The New Indian Express that the accused has not yet been identified. Footage reviewed so far indicates that the man did not arrive at the hospital using a personal vehicle. Investigators believe he left the area by taking a lift on a two-wheeler after exiting the campus.

Weekend Crowd and Reduced Security Under Review

Initial findings suggest the suspect may have exited through the in-patient department gate. Officials suspect he took advantage of lighter security arrangements due to it being a Sunday coinciding with the Republic Day weekend. Authorities acknowledge that the absence of clear facial visibility, due to the mask, has complicated efforts to establish his identity.

Ongoing Investigation and Security Review

Multiple police teams are currently working to trace the suspect’s movements and identify potential leads. Hospital authorities are also expected to review internal security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in isolated areas such as elevators and service corridors.