A tragic incident at Panjab University has triggered outrage among students after a 28-year-old PhD scholar allegedly died of electrocution on the campus, raising serious questions over infrastructure safety and administrative accountability.
Identification of the deceased
The deceased, identified as Jyoti, a PhD scholar in the Department of Microbiology and a resident of Mahendergarh, Haryana, was found lying in rainwater near electrical junction boxes on a waterlogged stretch between Girls' Hostel No. 8 and the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) on Tuesday morning.
Information about the incident
According to initial reports, a university helper used a wooden stick to pull her out of the water before she was rushed to the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh. Doctors, however, declared her brought dead. While the post-mortem report is awaited, preliminary findings point towards suspected electrocution.
Protest held by the students
The incident sparked massive protests on the campus, with students alleging that exposed electrical infrastructure, waterlogging and repeated complaints about unsafe conditions had been ignored by the university administration. Protesters locked the Vice-Chancellor's office and demanded immediate action against officials responsible for campus maintenance.
Key demands
As the agitation intensified, the Panjab University administration accepted several of the students' key demands. Among the most significant decisions was the removal of the Executive Engineer (XEN) from the Engineering Department pending further inquiry. The university also ordered a high-level investigation into the incident, constituted an inquiry committee, and assured that responsibility would be fixed if negligence is established. Immediate directions were issued to inspect electrical infrastructure across the campus, particularly in waterlogged areas, and to implement emergency safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Cooperation by the university
Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig expressed condolences over Jyoti's death and assured students that the investigation would be transparent and time-bound. She stated that the university would cooperate fully with the police probe and take strict action against anyone found responsible
FIR registered
Meanwhile, Chandigarh Police registered an FIR under provisions related to causing death by negligence at Sector 11 Police Station. Investigators are examining the electrical installations, maintenance records and CCTV footage to determine whether lapses in safety led to the incident.
Demands of Jyoti’s family
Jyoti's family has demanded ₹3 crore in compensation and a government job for her brother. While these demands remain under consideration, student organisations have continued to press for long-term reforms, including regular electrical safety audits, improved drainage systems, accountability of engineering officials and stronger campus safety protocols.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers posed by faulty electrical infrastructure during the monsoon season. Although the university has acted on several immediate demands, including removing the XEN and initiating an inquiry, students insist that lasting accountability and comprehensive infrastructure reforms are essential to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.