Panjab University PhD Scholar Dies in Suspected Electrocution; Students Demand Accountability

A 27-year-old PhD scholar at Panjab University (PU) died on Tuesday after she was allegedly electrocuted while crossing a waterlogged stretch near Girls’ Hostel No. 8 on the university’s South Campus. The incident has triggered protests by students who accuse the university administration of negligence.

The incident occurred around 9:15 am near the rear gate of Girls’ Hostel No. 8. Jyoti Yadav, a fourth-year PhD scholar in the Department of Microbiology, was on her way to submit her annual progress report when she received an electric shock while walking through stagnant rainwater. Fellow students rushed her to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, where doctors declared her dead.

Following her death, students gathered outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office to demand accountability. They submitted a charter of demands to Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig, calling for strict action against officials of the university’s Executive Engineer (XEN) office, the constitution of an audit committee to examine campus infrastructure, adequate compensation for the victim’s family, suspension of the Chief Security Officer, and the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.

University officials have stated that the exact cause of death is yet to be established and that the possibility of electrocution appears low. Lakhwinder Singh, Sub-Divisional Engineer at PU, said, “The electric pole is 12-13 feet away, and all the wires are intact with their covers put onto them.” He added that the area had been barricaded and an investigation was underway.

Students also urged the university authorities and the Chandigarh Electricity Department to temporarily disconnect power supply to the university’s Sector 14 and Sector 25 campuses as a precaution. They alleged that the university had ignored repeated complaints about safety concerns, and pointed out that the South Campus lacked a dispensary despite several representations.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig expressed grief over the student’s death and assured protesters that the mishap would be examined. She said necessary action would be taken and a committee would be constituted to look into the issues raised by students.

The Department of Microbiology mourned the loss. Prof Naveen Gupta, chairperson of the department, said, “We are in a very sad and shocked state and have lost one of our precious children. We are at the hospital waiting for her family and completing the immediate procedural formalities.” Prof Deepak Kumar Rahi, one of Jyoti’s research guides, added, “We have indeed lost a very good student. She was doing her research in the department and had only one year left to complete her PhD.”

Jyoti Yadav had one year remaining to complete her doctoral research. Police and university authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to her death. The incident has also sparked discussion about the alleged neglect of the South Campus, with students lamenting the absence of a shuttle service between the two campuses. “Jyoti was forced to wade through water because there was no shuttle,” a student complained.