Chandigarh: A 28-year-old PhD scholar was allegedly electrocuted in a waterlogged area of the prestigious Panjab University campus during heavy rainfall, triggering widespread anger among students who staged a strong protest and demanded accountability from the university administration.
The tragic incident occurred when the scholar came in contact with an exposed electric current in a rainwater-filled stretch on the campus. Students alleged that the waterlogging and lack of safety measures turned the university premises into a potential death trap during the rains.
Soon after the death, a large number of students gathered on the campus, raising slogans against the administration and questioning why adequate precautions were not taken despite repeated waterlogging issues during the monsoon season.
The protesting students later entered the Vice Chancellor’s office, seeking answers and demanding immediate action against those responsible for the alleged negligence. They questioned the failure of the authorities to ensure proper drainage, electrical safety checks and preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
“This is not just an accident; it raises serious questions about campus safety and administrative accountability,” students said during the protest.
The protesters demanded a transparent inquiry into the circumstances leading to the scholar’s death, compensation for the bereaved family, and fixing of responsibility on officials responsible for maintaining campus infrastructure.
The incident has sparked outrage among the student community, with many alleging that repeated complaints about waterlogging and unsafe conditions have not been addressed effectively.
The university administration is yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident and the demands raised by the protesting students.
