Chandigarh: Nearly a week after the SDM-led magisterial enquiry report into the death of Panjab University (PU) PhD scholar Jyoti was submitted to the deputy commissioner (DC), it has not reached the university, the PU spokesperson confirmed.The enquiry has recommended departmental action against the sub-divisional engineer (SDE), junior engineer (JE) and electrical inspector concerned, besides calling for responsibility to be fixed across the electrical maintenance hierarchy, including the executive engineer responsible for supervision and maintenance. Despite the report flagging serious electrical safety lapses, PU is yet to receive its findings and recommendations.Jyoti, 28, a PhD scholar in microbiology, died on July 28 near Girls Hostel No. 8 on the university’s South Campus while proceeding to her department. The enquiry flagged serious deficiencies in electrical safety, including lapses in inspection, maintenance, supervision and safety management.Chandigarh DC Nishant Yadav said, “The enquiry report will be sent to PU in a day or two. It has been marked by me.”Damaged cable raised safety concernsThe report records that a 400 sq mm low-tension (LT) cable had a damaged or defective outer sheath, with its armouring apparently damaged. Part of the cable was found partially above ground between pillar boxes and the footpath, raising concerns over the safety of electrical infrastructure in an area frequently used by students.The enquiry recommends that individual responsibility be established across the electrical maintenance hierarchy, including the SDE concerned, the executive engineer with supervisory and maintenance responsibilities, the JE in charge and other staff, according to their assigned duties. It calls for an examination of duty-allocation orders, inspection registers, maintenance and complaint records, and other relevant documents before appropriate departmental proceedings are initiated.JE, assistant electrician named in reportThe report identifies Er Sandeep Kumar, JE (electrical), as the JE in charge of the area, responsible for the repair and maintenance of hostels in Sector 25. Assistant electrician Vikramjeet Singh was working under his supervision. The enquiry recommends that the respective duties and responsibilities of officials and staff be examined while determining accountability.It also raises concerns over the allocation of technical responsibilities, including the assignment of additional charge of executive engineer (electrical) to an officer from the horticulture department. The report stresses the need for qualified personnel to oversee sensitive electrical infrastructure.Medical cause of death still awaitedThe enquiry, however, 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.With the report yet to reach PU nearly a week after its submission to the DC, the university has not been able to proceed on the basis of the findings, according to its spokesperson. The recommendations place the focus on both individual accountability for electrical safety lapses and systemic changes to prevent similar incidents on campus.What the report recommends–Departmental action: Against the SDE, JE and electrical inspector concerned–Fix responsibility: Examine the roles of the SDE, executive engineer, JE in charge and other staff–Check records: Review duty-allocation orders, inspection registers, maintenance and complaint records–Safety audit: Conduct a comprehensive electrical safety audit of the South Campus–Cable safety: Properly protect cables and promptly repair exposed or damaged wiring–Preventive checks: Ensure regular maintenance and mandatory pre-monsoon inspections–Waterlogging risks: Identify and assess electrical hazards arising from waterlogging–Clear accountability: Define staff responsibilities and ensure qualified personnel oversee electrical infrastructure–Emergency response: Establish standard operating procedures for emergencies–Safety regulations: Strictly implement the Central Electricity Authority’s 2013 safety regulations
