Panjab University is yet to receive the SDM-led enquiry report into the death of 28-year-old PhD scholar Jyoti, nearly a week after the report was submitted to Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav, even as its findings flag serious electrical safety lapses on the university’s South Campus.
The magisterial enquiry has recommended departmental action against the sub-divisional engineer, junior engineer and electrical inspector concerned. It has also called for responsibility to be fixed across the electrical maintenance hierarchy, including the executive engineer responsible for supervision and maintenance, according to the report cited in the Times of India.
Jyoti, a PhD scholar in microbiology, died on July 28 near Girls Hostel No. 8 while she was proceeding to her department. The enquiry examined deficiencies in inspection, maintenance, supervision and safety management in the area where the incident occurred.
The report records that a 400 sq mm low-tension cable had a damaged or defective outer sheath, with its armouring apparently damaged. A section of the cable was found partially above ground between pillar boxes and a footpath, raising safety concerns in an area regularly used by students.
The enquiry has recommended that the duties and responsibilities of officials and staff be examined before departmental proceedings are initiated. It has called for a review of duty-allocation orders, inspection registers, maintenance records, complaint records and other documents related to the electrical system.
Er Sandeep Kumar, junior engineer (electrical), has been identified in the report as the official in charge of the area, including repair and maintenance of hostels in Sector 25. Assistant electrician Vikramjeet Singh was working under his supervision. The enquiry has recommended that their respective responsibilities be assessed along with those of other personnel.
The report has also raised concerns about the allocation of technical responsibilities. It noted that additional charge of executive engineer (electrical) had been assigned to an officer from the horticulture department, and stressed that qualified personnel should oversee sensitive electrical infrastructure.
Among its recommendations, the enquiry has sought a comprehensive electrical safety audit of the South Campus, proper protection of cables, immediate repair of exposed or damaged wiring and regular preventive maintenance. It has also called for mandatory pre-monsoon inspections and an assessment of electrical hazards caused by waterlogging.
The recommendations include clearly defining staff responsibilities, implementing standard operating procedures for emergencies and strictly enforcing the Central Electricity Authority’s 2013 safety regulations. These measures are yet to be acted upon by the university because the report has not formally reached it.
Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav said the report would be sent to Panjab University in a day or two and that it had been marked by him. A PU spokesperson confirmed that the university was still awaiting the findings and recommendations.
The enquiry has not conclusively established the medical cause of Jyoti’s death. Samples, including viscera, were sent for further forensic examination, and the final medical findings are awaited. The university’s next steps will follow the report’s formal receipt and the completion of the pending medical examination.
