A Panjab University PhD scholar died of suspected electrocution during heavy rain in Chandigarh on Tuesday morning after she reportedly took an unpaved route to avoid waterlogging near the university’s South Campus in Sector 25.
The victim, identified as Jyoti, a resident of Rewari in Haryana, was pursuing her PhD in the Department of Biotechnology at Panjab University. The incident occurred near Girls’ Hostel No. 10, where rainwater had reportedly accumulated in the area.
According to sources, Jyoti was travelling from the hostel towards her department when she chose an unpaved path to avoid the waterlogged route. Within moments, she allegedly came into contact with an electric current.
Preliminary information suggests that the current may have spread from an electric junction box in the vicinity. The exact cause of the electrocution, however, remains under investigation, and authorities have yet to establish how the electrical current reached the area.
Eyewitnesses said Jyoti suddenly fell to the ground after coming in contact with the suspected live current. People at the spot rushed to help her and took her to Government Multi-Speciality Hospital in Sector 16.
Doctors at the hospital declared her brought dead.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of public spaces and electrical infrastructure on the university campus, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. Waterlogging can increase the risk of electrical accidents if exposed wires, faulty connections or damaged electrical equipment come into contact with standing water.
The victim’s family has been informed about the tragedy. Her mother and brother are reportedly travelling to Chandigarh following the incident.
The death of the young research scholar has also brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by students and researchers who live and work on university campuses during extreme weather conditions. Heavy rainfall can quickly lead to water accumulation, forcing pedestrians to look for alternative routes that may not always be safe.
Panjab University authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the suspected electrocution. The probe is expected to examine the electrical infrastructure around the site, the condition of the junction box and the presence of waterlogging in the area.
The authorities will also need to determine whether adequate safety measures were in place and whether warnings or precautions had been taken to prevent students and staff from entering potentially dangerous areas during the heavy rain.
The incident has highlighted the potential dangers posed by exposed or faulty electrical systems during severe weather. Experts have repeatedly warned that electricity and standing water can create life-threatening conditions, making timely maintenance and safety checks particularly important during the monsoon season.
For the university community, the death has come as a tragic reminder of the risks that can emerge during heavy rainfall. As the investigation continues, questions remain over how the suspected electrical current reached the path and whether the tragedy could have been prevented through better safety measures.
Authorities are expected to establish the exact sequence of events as part of the investigation. Further details about the incident are awaited.