Mohali: Less than a fortnight after PU tragedy, 8-yr-old girl electrocuted in Nayagaon

The girl was rushed to Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, but declared brought dead, the body has been sent for post-mortem examination

Clearly no lessons have been learnt from the electrocution of a Panjab University (PU) research scholar last month as an eight-year-old girl has died in a similar manner – after allegedly coming in contact with low-hanging overhead electricity cables in Vikasnagar, Nayagaon, on Saturday.The girl, whose parents are migrant workers, had reportedly stepped out to buy something when she came in contact with an overhead cable sagging close to the ground. The contractor, under whom her parents work, allegedly saw her getting electrocuted and informed the family.

The girl, whose parents are migrant workers, had reportedly stepped out to buy something when she came in contact with an overhead cable sagging close to the ground. (HT File)

She was rushed to Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, but declared brought dead.Ward 14 councillor Bhupinder Singh and president of BJP’s Nayagaon unit said that several wires in the area were lying exposed or touching the ground, putting both people and animals at risk. “Just a week ago, a bull was electrocuted in the area. Such incidents are preventable if authorities take responsibility. But unfortunately, there are no routine inspections or official visits.”Nayagaon station house officer (SHO) Shivdeep Brar said police were investigating the circumstances leading to the girl’s death. “We are looking into the matter. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination,” he said.Attempts to reach the Nayagaon sub-divisional magistrate, executive officer and the district in-charge of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) – responsible for the upkeep of power lines in the area – elicited no response.

Shocking lapses

July 28: Jyoti, 28, a research scholar at PU, died of suspected electrocution while walking on waterlogged stretch between her department and hostel.June 19: A 40-year-old migrant worker died after suffering an electric shock inside a public park in C-Block of Aerocity. June 2025: A 31-year-old private contractor lost his life after coming into contact with a high-tension electric wire while installing a flex board near Hotel Royal Plaza in Dariya, Chandigarh. July 17, 2024: A 17-year-old boy was electrocuted to death near a transformer in Sector 8, Chandigarh. Investigation revealed that the transformer’s height was low, causing the boy to come into contact with the live wire, leading to his death. The victim was attempting to take a short cut while returning from the gym when the tragedy took place. UT power dept officials were booked in FIR.