Chandigarh: Over two weeks after a magisterial enquiry into the electrocution death of PhD scholar Jyoti recommended departmental action against university engineering officials, the probe report is yet to reach Panjab University (PU) authorities.The probe, conducted by an SDM and submitted to deputy commissioner (DC) Nishant Yadav around Oct 6, found severe electrical safety lapses on PU’s South Campus. The enquiry took more than two months to conclude despite an initial one-week deadline. On Oct 13, DC Yadav assured that the report would reach PU within two days, but the university is still awaiting the findings, and Yadav remained unavailable for comment.The enquiry calls for departmental action against the sub-divisional engineer (SDE), junior engineer (JE), and electrical inspector. It further demands fixing individual responsibility on the concerned SDE, executive engineer, JE-in-charge Sandeep Kumar, and assistant electrician Vikramjeet Singh after examining duty-allocation orders, inspection registers, and complaint records.Notably, two engineering officials suspended after Jyoti’s death were reinstated before the probe concluded. While the report urges action against officials, it notes that the final medical cause of Jyoti’s death remains unconfirmed pending forensic results of sent samples.Jyoti, 28, a PhD scholar in microbiology, died on July 28 near Girls Hostel No. 8 on PU’s South Campus. Inspecting the site, the probe discovered a 400 sq mm low-tension cable with a damaged outer sheath and defective armouring running partially above ground between pillar boxes and the footpath.Key findings & safety recommendationsThe enquiry highlighted serious deficiencies in electrical inspection, maintenance, and safety management across PU’s South Campus. To prevent future hazards, the report mandates a comprehensive campus-wide electrical safety audit, mandatory pre-monsoon checks, and immediate repair of exposed or damaged wiring. It also calls for evaluating waterlogging risks, strictly implementing the Central Electricity Authority’s 2013 safety regulations, defining staff accountability clearly, and establishing emergency standard operating procedures.
