Several leaders of the Rashtriya Lok Dal were locked inside a hall during an organisational meeting at a prominent hotel in Jhansi after a staff member shut and padlocked the door from outside without realising people were still inside.
The incident occurred during an organisational meeting of the Rashtriya Lok Dal at a leading hotel in Jhansi. Several local and regional party leaders attended the meeting. After the meeting formally concluded, some leaders remained seated inside the hall to discuss further strategy and programmes.
A hotel staff member, assuming the hall was vacant, closed the door from outside and placed a padlock on it before leaving the premises. When the leaders inside attempted to exit, the door did not open. Initially, they suspected a mechanical issue, but upon closer inspection it was confirmed that the door had been locked from outside.
The leaders contacted other colleagues and hotel management through mobile phones. Party workers present outside immediately informed the hotel staff. The situation continued for about 20 minutes before the concerned employee was called and the lock was opened.
All the leaders exited safely and no physical injuries were reported. Those present inside stated that they initially did not realise the door had been locked from outside but contacted management once the situation became clear.
Hotel management described the incident as a human error, stating that the employee was unaware that some individuals remained inside the hall after the meeting ended. The management said instructions have been issued to staff to remain vigilant to prevent a recurrence.
Rashtriya Lok Dal leaders termed the episode a serious lapse, stating that it is the responsibility of hotel staff to ensure that a hall is completely vacant after any event. They said the situation could have been more serious if mobile network or communication facilities had not been available.
No formal complaint has been lodged by the party in connection with the incident, and it was resolved through mutual discussion.
All leaders are reported to be safe and party activities are continuing as scheduled.
