A 28-year-old PhD scholar named Jyoti died from electrocution on the Panjab University campus, prompting the suspension of two university officials and the filing of a police case. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Jyoti was walking from her hostel to the Department of Microbiology, where she was pursuing her doctoral studies.
Following the tragedy, students protested on campus demanding accountability and safety measures. The university also announced financial support and employment assistance for Jyoti's family.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Response
Jyoti’s death happened amid heavy rain, which caused water to flood parts of the campus. To avoid the flooded area, she took an unpaved path and reportedly came into contact with an electric current from a nearby junction box. She was quickly taken to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
In response, Panjab University suspended two officials from the works department—an executive engineer and a sub-divisional engineer—who were responsible for electrical maintenance on campus. The Chandigarh Police registered a case of death by negligence at the Sector 11 police station and are continuing their investigation.
Support for Jyoti’s Family
After meeting with Jyoti’s family, university authorities announced a financial assistance package totaling Rs 16 lakh. This includes Rs 5 lakh from the vice-chancellor’s discretionary fund and Rs 11 lakh from the Dean of Student Welfare’s office.
Additionally, Jyoti’s brother, who has completed Class 12 and holds an ITI qualification in electrical work, will be offered a job at the university as an electrician, following Punjab government regulations. The university expressed condolences and solidarity with the family during this difficult time.
Student Protests and Campus Safety Concerns
Jyoti’s death sparked immediate protests on campus, with students staging a dharna outside the vice-chancellor’s office. They demanded a swift and transparent investigation and called for compensation for the family. Students also urged the university to implement urgent safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Jyoti came from a modest background; her father is a farmer and also works as a driver at a private school in Haryana, while her mother is a homemaker. She supported her family through her senior research fellowship, making her loss deeply felt among the university community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What caused the electrocution of the PhD scholar?
A: The electrocution likely occurred when Jyoti came into contact with an electric current from a junction box on campus, which was exposed due to rainwater flooding the area.
Q: What actions has Panjab University taken following the incident?
A: The university suspended two officials responsible for electrical maintenance, announced financial aid of Rs 16 lakh for Jyoti’s family, and offered a job to her brother. They are cooperating with police investigations.
Q: How have students responded to the incident?
A: Students protested on campus, demanding a thorough investigation, compensation for the family, and improved safety measures to prevent future accidents.
