CHANDIGARH: A 28-year-old PhD scholar of the Department of Microbiology at Panjab University (PU) died after allegedly suffering an electric shock near Girls’ Hostel No. 10 on Tuesday, triggering massive protests on the campus, with agitating students breaking through barricades outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office and demanding accountability from the university administration.The deceased, identified as Jyoti Yadav, a resident of Mahindergarh district in Haryana, was in the fourth year of her PhD and was engaged to be married.She was reportedly on her way through an unpaved pathway connecting Girls’ Hostel No. 8 and the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) when the incident occurred.According to preliminary information, the area was waterlogged following rain. Jyoti allegedly slipped and, while trying to steady herself, grabbed a nearby electric pole that was reportedly live, resulting in a fatal electric shock.An attendant present at the spot immediately attempted to revive her before she was rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, where doctors declared her dead.The exact cause of the electrocution is yet to be officially established and authorities are awaiting further investigation.The incident sparked outrage across the campus, with hundreds of students gathering outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office demanding action against officials responsible for maintenance of the university’s electrical infrastructure.Protesters broke through barricades placed outside the office and entered the premises, raising slogans against the administration.Following the protest, a delegation of student leaders, including PUCSC vice president was allowed to meet Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig.During the meeting, students demanded immediate suspension and resignation of the Executive Engineer (XEN) and other officials concerned, besides seeking a high-level inquiry into the incident and compensation for the victim’s family.Student leaders also alleged that another student had reportedly suffered an electric shock at the same location earlier in the day.They questioned why the university administration failed to immediately disconnect the electricity supply or cordon off the area if it had already become aware of a potential hazard.The incident comes on the last working day of Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig, with the Centre yet to announce either her successor or an extension of her tenure.The tragedy, coupled with the unprecedented protest at the VC office, has intensified scrutiny of the university administration over campus safety and maintenance.Police and university officials remain on the campus as protests continue.The university administration had not issued a detailed statement on the students’ demands till the filing of this report.
