Panjab University PhD scholar Jyoti killed by electrocution, students protest

Jyoti, a 28‑year‑old PhD scholar in the Department of Microbiology at Panjab University, died after coming into contact with an electric current on a water‑logged, unpaved pathway on campus. She collapsed and was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The death triggered immediate protests by university students, who staged a dharna outside the vice‑chancellor’s office demanding accountability, a time‑bound investigation and safety measures to prevent similar incidents. Vice‑chancellor Renu Vig expressed condolences and promised action, while Congress MP Manish Tewari called for registration of a culpable homicide case.

Police filed an FIR for death by negligence at Sector 11 police station. Panjab University announced financial assistance of ₹16 lakh for Jyoti’s family and offered her brother, who holds an ITI in electrical work, a job as an electrician under Punjab government rules.