FIR filed over death of PhD student in Punjab; university offers assistance of ₹ 16 lakh, job for family member

Police on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) said a case of death by negligence has been registered in connection with the death of a 28-year-old PhD student allegedly due to electrocution at the Panjab University campus.

Jyoti, a scholar in the microbiology department of Panjab University, died on Tuesday, sparking protests by students.

An FIR has been registered at the Sector 11 police station, police said, adding that further investigation is underway in the matter.

The incident took place when Jyoti was walking to the ward from her hostel and took an unpaved road – as rain water had waterlogged the area – and came in contact with an electric current that could have been carried by a nearby electrical distribution box. She was taken to a hospital where doctors declared her brought dead.

Financial aid

After a meeting with Jyoti’s family members, Panjab University authorities announced a financial assistance of ₹ 16 lakh and a job for her brother late on Tuesday.

Out of the total financial assistance, an amount of ₹ 5 lakh will be provided from the PU Vice-Chancellor’s discretionary fund and ₹ 11 lakh will be provided through the Dean Student Welfare (DSW) office, officials said.

Jyoti’s brother, who has passed 10+2 and has an ITI (Electrical) qualification, will be offered employment in the university as an electrician as per Punjab government rules, they further said.

University officials said the entire university community stands in solidarity with the family at this difficult time and prays for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

They further said that the university has decided to extend financial assistance to the family and provide employment to the eligible family member in accordance with applicable rules as a measure of compassion and support.

Police said the family agreed to an autopsy.

Protests on campus

Jyoti’s death sparked protests at the Panjab University campus on Tuesday, with students raising anti-authority slogans and staging a ‘dharna’ outside the vice-chancellor’s office, seeking immediate action against those responsible for electricity maintenance.

The protesting students demanded compensation for the victim’s family, besides seeking a time-bound inquiry into the matter. They also asked for immediate action to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in future.

Jyoti came from a humble background. Her father is a small farmer and also works as a driver in a private school in Haryana and her mother is a housewife. Jyoti supported her family through her senior research fellowship.

Published – 29 Jul 2026 13:31 IST