A routine walk to class turned tragic for Jyoti, a 28-year-old PhD scholar at Panjab University, who died after allegedly suffering an electric shock on the university campus during heavy rain. The incident has sparked outrage among students, who have accused the administration of ignoring electrical safety hazards and demanded an independent investigation.

Jyoti, a fourth-year doctoral researcher in the Department of Microbiology and a resident of the university hostel, was walking to her department on Tuesday morning when the incident occurred. Originally from Mahendergarh in Haryana, she was reportedly using an unpaved strip between a road and an adjoining parking area—a shortcut frequently used by students.

The stretch reportedly contains an electricity pole, multiple electrical boxes, and underground power cables.

According to eyewitnesses, Jyoti collapsed after coming into contact with an electrical installation. A passerby attempted to revive her before she was rushed to the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR), while her body has been kept at GMSH-16 for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

University's Initial Version Questioned

In its preliminary statement, the university said Jyoti had slipped on the rain-soaked ground and accidentally came into contact with an electrical installation.

However, students have challenged this version, questioning how the university reached that conclusion before the completion of the investigation.

They have demanded that the administration provide evidence supporting its claim and release the findings of a transparent inquiry.

Students Allege Electrical Hazards

The incident triggered widespread protests and concern across the campus, with students highlighting long-standing issues related to exposed electrical infrastructure.

Videos recorded by passersby reportedly showed stagnant rainwater covering the area where the incident occurred.

Several students alleged that damaged electrical wiring may have allowed current to spread through the accumulated water, turning the pathway into a hazardous zone.

Some students also claimed that another student had experienced an electric shock at the same location earlier the same morning.

They questioned why the area had not been barricaded or the electricity supply disconnected if authorities were aware of a possible electrical fault.

Students have urged the university administration to immediately inspect campus electrical systems, improve drainage, and implement stronger safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

Family Seeks Transparent Probe

Jyoti's family has also demanded a thorough and impartial investigation.

Her uncle, who reached the campus after the incident, questioned the university's preliminary explanation in the presence of university officials, including the Dean of Student Welfare.

He asked how the administration could conclude that Jyoti had slipped and touched an electrical installation without supporting evidence and called for complete transparency during the investigation.

According to family members, Jyoti was engaged and was due to be married soon.

Her father, who works as a bus driver and reportedly earns around ₹12,000 per month, was unable to travel immediately due to the shock. Her family also said her mother had not yet been informed of the tragedy at the time of reporting.

Safety Concerns Under Spotlight

The incident has once again drawn attention to campus infrastructure and electrical safety during the monsoon season.

Students have demanded immediate corrective measures, including regular inspection of electrical installations, proper maintenance of wiring, improved drainage around utility infrastructure, and the barricading of hazardous areas during heavy rainfall.

Police are continuing their investigation, while the post-mortem report is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the PhD scholar's death.