A 27-year-old PhD scholar was electrocuted on Panjab University's South Campus in Sector 25, Chandigarh, during heavy rain on Tuesday morning. The victim has been identified as Jyoti, a resident of Rewari, Haryana, who was pursuing her PhD in the Department of Microbiology.
How the Electrocution Happened on Panjab University Campus
According to sources, Jyoti was walking from Girls' Hostel No. 10 to the Department of Microbiology when the incident occurred. To avoid waterlogged areas, she took an unpaved path. While walking, she reportedly came into contact with a live wire that is suspected to have been exposed from a nearby electrical junction. She collapsed immediately.
According to The Indian Express, the student was allegedly electrocuted on a waterlogged road inside the campus during heavy rainfall.
Attempt to Save and Aftermath
A passerby attempted to revive Jyoti before she was rushed to the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital in Sector 16. However, doctors declared her brought dead upon arrival.
According to India Today, the incident triggered angry protests by students who demanded strict accountability from the university administration.
Student Protests Demand Accountability
Following the death, students at Panjab University staged protests, demanding strict accountability and action against those responsible for the safety lapse. Reports indicate that students broke the campus gate during the protests.
According to The Times of India, the scholar's death has sparked outrage, with students calling for immediate safety measures on campus, especially during the monsoon season.
"A 28-year-old PhD scholar died after being electrocuted on the Panjab University campus on Tuesday morning, triggering angry protests." — Zee News English
Our Take: A Preventable Tragedy That Demands Action
This is a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy. A young scholar lost her life simply because she tried to avoid a waterlogged path on her own university campus. The fact that an exposed electrical junction existed in a public area, especially during monsoon season, points to a serious failure in campus maintenance and safety protocols.
In our view, the student protests are fully justified. The university administration must take immediate responsibility — not just for this incident, but for ensuring that all electrical infrastructure on campus is inspected and secured. No student should fear for their life while walking to class. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for educational institutions across the country to prioritize basic safety measures.