Ludhiana, April 16 -- At least 12 people, including three police personnel, were trapped for nearly 20 minutes after a lift developed a technical snag just below the second floor at the six-storey new court complex here on Wednesday.

The lift came to a halt about a foot below the second-floor level, leaving those inside stranded in a cramped space.

The occupants included advocates, visitors and women, triggering panic as cries for help echoed from inside.

Advocate Parminder Singh Kukki, who heard a loud thud near the lift, rushed to the spot and found people trapped inside. With no technician arriving for nearly 20 minutes, Kukki alerted others and initiated rescue efforts. After the doors were forced open, a gap of nearly one foot bet...