Cause of current still unclear; police and administration probe electric poles, streetlights and exposed wires.
A PhD scholar died of electrocution on Tuesday morning at Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh. She was walking from the girls' hostel to her department for classes when she suddenly collapsed on an unpaved path.
By the time they got her to the hospital, she had already died. The deceased young woman was from Haryana and was living in the girls' hostel while pursuing her studies. Initial investigation suggests the death was caused by electrocution, though the investigation is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, angered by the incident, students laid siege to the residence of PU's Vice Chancellor (VC). Students scaled the gate and entered the premises. Given the tense atmosphere, Chandigarh Police personnel have been deployed at the location.
According to the university administration, Jyoti (28) from Rewari was a PhD scholar in the Microbiology Department at Panjab University. On Tuesday morning, she was walking from Girls' Hostel-10 towards the Microbiology Department. While passing along the unpaved path beside the road connecting Girls' Hostel-8 and the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), she suddenly collapsed.
Other students rushed to help her immediately. It was then that they realised Jyoti had been electrocuted. With the help of university staff, students rushed her to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
At present, it remains unclear what exactly caused the electrocution or what carried the current. Chandigarh Police and the university administration are investigating the spot to determine whether the current spread from an electric pole, streetlight, exposed wire, or some other source. Negligence in the electricity supply is also being examined.
Following the incident, students have raised questions about the campus's electrical infrastructure. They say that especially during the monsoon season, electric poles, streetlights, and exposed wires should be regularly inspected to prevent such accidents. Students have demanded a complete safety audit of the campus and immediate corrective measures wherever hazards exist. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination. The actual cause of the accident will only be established based on the report and investigation.
