A 28-year-old PhD scholar at Panjab University died after allegedly being electrocuted on the university campus, triggering widespread protests by students who demanded accountability over electrical safety and campus maintenance. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the research scholar, identified as Jyoti, was on her way from her hostel to the Department of Microbiology. According to officials, Jyoti, a resident of Rewari in Haryana, took an unpaved pathway after heavy rainfall left the regular route waterlogged. While walking through the area, she reportedly came into contact with an electric current that is suspected to have leaked from a nearby electrical junction box. She collapsed at the spot and was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

The incident sparked outrage among students, who accused the university administration of failing to ensure adequate electrical safety on campus. Hundreds of students gathered outside the office of Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig, demanding strict action against those responsible for the maintenance of the university’s electrical infrastructure. Protesters also sought a thorough investigation into the incident and called for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Students alleged that waterlogging and poorly maintained electrical installations had posed safety risks on the campus for some time. They urged the university to conduct a comprehensive audit of all electrical systems, especially in areas frequented by students, and to improve infrastructure to ensure safe movement during the monsoon season.

The protests continued for several hours as students demanded justice for Jyoti and accountability from officials responsible for campus maintenance. Demonstrators also called for financial support for the victim’s family and greater transparency in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Following discussions with Jyoti’s family late on Tuesday night, Panjab University announced a compensation package of Rs 16 lakh for her next of kin. The university also said it would provide a job to her brother as part of its relief measures for the bereaved family.

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University authorities expressed condolences over the scholar’s death and assured students and the family that appropriate steps would be taken in response to the incident. Officials said the circumstances leading to the electrocution would be examined and that action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. The tragedy has once again brought attention to the importance of electrical safety and infrastructure maintenance in educational institutions, particularly during the rainy season when waterlogging can increase the risk of electrical hazards. Safety experts have long stressed the need for regular inspection of electrical equipment, proper insulation of junction boxes, and prompt repairs to minimise such risks.

The death of the young researcher has also highlighted broader concerns about campus safety and the responsibility of institutions to provide a secure environment for students and staff. Student organisations have called for long-term reforms, including routine safety audits, improved drainage systems, and stronger emergency response mechanisms to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents. As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining how the electrical current came into contact with the pathway and whether negligence contributed to the fatal accident. The findings are expected to play a key role in fixing responsibility and shaping future safety measures at Panjab University.

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